Testing methods in laboratory

Absorption capacity

Absorption test on the MICROSORB® products

This is the ratio between the weight of the sorbent and the weight of the absorbed liquid.

Tested in France by the CEDRE (Centre de Documentation, de Recherche et d'Expérimentation sur les pollutions accidentelles des Eaux) according to the norms NFT 90-360 (hydrophobic sorbents) and
NFT 90-361 (hydrophilic sorbents).

Tested in Germany by the MPA (Materialprüfungsamt in Dortmund).

Method of measurement :

Weighing of a sample size 10 cm x 10 cm;

Immersion of the sample until saturation in a 20W50 oil bath at 25°C or a water bath at 20°C;

Vertical draining for 2 min., then weighing of the sample soaked with liquid;
> Determination of the weight of the absorbed liquid per kg of sorbent.

Retention capability

This is the percentage of hydrocarbons that are chemically fixed by the sorbent.

The MPA in Germany measures the retention capability of all our sorbent products. These are given a reference number at the Department of the Environment (Bundesumweltamt).

Tensile strength

This is a bi-directional measurement of the sorbent's maximum strength and its breaking point.

It is tested during production with an ADAMEL LHOMARGY DY30 dynamometer.

A high level of tensile strength is required for the sorbent's integrity when it is saturated.

The drawing test enables control of the breaking point in order to produce strong sorbents.

Method of measurement :

The test is made with an ADAMEL LHOMARGY DY30 dynamometer;
Vertical deformation until breaking of a sample size 10 cm x 5 cm;
Recording of the maximum force applied (in N/5 cm) and the breaking point (in %).

Resistance to abrasion

MICROSORB® reinforced absorbents' resistance to abrasion

click on the pictures to enlarge them

This test includes notions such as linting, pilling and trampling:

This characterises the sorbent's surface condition after use on the ground;

The test shows a high resistance level to linting and reinforced sorbents;

The total anti-linting performance across the width and either side of the product is shown. The prevention of fibre loss from the surface increases the life of the product in use.

Methods of measurement :

The test is made by the ITFH (Institut Français du Textile et de l'Habillement) with a MARTINDALE MR052 equipment;
Measurement of the anti-linting performance and of the prevention of fibre loss from the surface of the products.

Buoyancy / hydrophobic properties

The buoyancy of MICROSORB® hydrophobic absorbents

This is the sorbent's capacity to float on the surface of water.

It is measured in France by the CEDRE.

The buoyancy distinguishes the hydrophobic sorbents.

Reaction to heat

The sorbents made of microfibres of polypropylene do not burn easily.

Depending on the level of temperature, the microfibres contract and melt down.

• >130°C : fibres tighten

• 160°C: fibres start to melt

• 190°C: polypropylene becomes liquid

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