Material properties: getting to the bottom of the inner values of building materials reliably and precisely

The quality and possible uses of building materials much depend on their material properties. Knowledge of these is therefore of utmost importance when conducting research on and developing building materials. At Fraunhofer IBP, we have excellently equipped test laboratories for this purpose, which enable us to reliably determine both mechanical and insulating properties.

Evaluating mechanical properties

Depending on the nature of the building material in question, we have two materials testing devices with a maximum compressive force of 100 or 3000 kilonewtons at our disposal for assessing mechanical properties. In addition to determining compressive strength, we can also use these devices to evaluate properties such as flexural strength (three-point and four-point), tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, as well as the split tensile strength of test cubes and cylinders. Special displacement transducers and camera systems make it possible to monitor the material during the test.

All tests can be performed in accordance with the relevant DIN specifications.

Determining the hardness of thin layers (nanoindentation)

We can also carry out nanohardness measurements to study the elastic and plastic deformation behavior of solids from the nanometer to the micrometer scale. This is measured by pressing a fine diamond tip onto the surface of the test sample with a defined force (0.1 mN to 500 mN). As well as hardness, this test also allows us to determine the modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) and the creep behavior of the test material. Optional matrix measurements with up to 600 measurements per hour also enable both spatially resolved measurements and statistical evaluations.

Thermal conductivity tests according to DIN and ASTM standards

Thermal conductivity is an important parameter for characterizing the insulating effect or insulating properties of a building material. With our hot plate measuring device, we can determine the thermal conductivity of material samples with a thickness of 10 to 200 millimeters. The technique we use is a one-plate method with guarded hot plate, meaning that tests can be carried out in accordance with all common DIN and ASTM standards.

Would you like to have your building material comprehensively characterized? Are you looking for a competent partner who can carry out extensive building material tests for you as you develop new materials? Get in touch with us!