Impact strength

The Charpy impact bending test is a simple and rapid test that can be used to conduct a comparative assessment of different materials. It is employed, among other things, to study the effect of changed formulation conditions, compounding conditions and injection molding conditions on test specimens. In the Charpy test, specimens are subject to a loading configuration similar to that in the three-point bending test and, if they are sufficiently brittle, they will fracture. Notched specimens must be used to achieve fracture in ductile materials. The test can be carried out within a temperature range of –40 °C to +23 °C.

Results of the test method:

• > impact strength aiU [KJ/m2]
• > notched impact strength aiN [KJ/m2]
• > plus an assessment of specimen fracture at the corresponding temperature and, where appropriate, a tough/brittle transition

Standards: DIN EN ISO 179