IAPMO R&T Lab recently introduced a new battery of
tests to evaluate the integrity of raw materials used in the extrusion or
injection molding of plastic pipes and fittings.
Granulated
samples of resin are sent to the lab and molded into the appropriate test
specimens, which are conditioned prior to testing. The tests evaluate the
plastic resin against the appropriate ASTM standards. Some of the tests
included are impact strength, deflection, tensile stress, elasticity and
specific gravity of the molded materials.