We test materials such as elastomers, polymers, and nonwovens, as well as composite materials like wire coatings and hoses, and components and assemblies.

Refrigerants and oils interact with materials in various ways: they can cause swelling, embrittlement, or chemical reactions that may influence the mechanical properties and service life of components. Testing their compatibility at an early stage helps prevent damage during the later use.

In refrigeration technology, materials and components are exposed to a wide range of conditions in terms of temperature and pressure. On top of that, there is the influence of the working fluids used, i.e., refrigerants and refrigeration oils.To identify potential compatibility issues in advance, all stress factors must be taken into account during testing.

We test how materials or components behave in contact with refrigerants -including hydrocarbons and ammonia - as well as with oils. In doing so, we examine not only the resistance but also the interactions between the materials and the working fluids to ensure the functionality and safety of the products. Additionally, we offer comprehensive characterization of oils and refrigerants.

We perform the following tests, among others:

• Aging of materials under fluid exposure in autoclaves
• Swelling behavior
• Hardness testing (IRHD, Shore D, Vickers, Brinell)
• Tensile, flexural, and compression testing
• Determination of compression set under temperature and fluid exposure
• Resistance to rapid gas decompression
• Testing of the stress crack resistance of polymers
• Testing of adhesive bonds (tensile shear test according to DIN EN 1465)
• Determination of glass transition temperature (DSC)
• Testing of permeation properties of elastomers

We work in accordance with current standards and manufacturer specifications, but we are also develop customized testing scenarios to meet your specific requirements. This ensures that you receive not only standardized results, but above all, practically relevant and meaningful results for your applications.

Automotive industry standards, including both OEMs and suppliers

Standards from compressor manufacturers