Materials

Companies must have an in-depth knowledge of the materials they work with and test them in order to guarantee the quality of their products.

At NAITEC, we offer technological services and advice in a personalized way for a wide range of sectors: mobility, wind power, energy, agrifood, packaging, household appliances, construction, etc. The types of actions can be included in the following topics:

  • Raw Material Characterization (RMC)
  • Quality inspection (end product checks)
  • Failure and defect analysis
  • Surveillance and selection of materials
  • Product recommendations and improvements

We are specialized in the characterization and analysis of:

Metallic Materials
Polymeric materials
Coatings
Biofuels, fuels and oils

Metallic Materials

Analysis and tests:

  • Chemical characterization (arc/spark optical emission spectrometry (OES), ICP Plasma, EDX, …)
  • Physical tests (traction, resilience, hardness, flexion, torsion, flare, …)
  • Metallographic characterization (Cutting and analysis of changes, metallurgical properties of various alloys and metallic or polymeric coatings).
  • Failure analysis (Failure modes in welded joints, bearings, gears, …)
  • Mechanical aptitude tests (stress analysis, elastoplastic conditions …)
  • Corrosion tests (Accelerated tests of climatic conditions according to international standards or tailored to meet customer needs)
  • Weld analysis (macrographic analysis, hardness sweeps, bending, traction, …)
  • Defect analysis (Incipient failure detection, progression and breaking point of various materials and/or elements)

Technological solutions and advice on:

  • Lightweight high-performance materials
  • New iron-based alloys
  • Alternative coatings
  • Improved response to fatigue, corrosion and wear
  • Nickel-based alloys for high temperature applications
  • Applications of hydroforming processes to materials

Polymeric materials. Plastics, Elastomers and Composites

Analysis and tests:

  • Chemical characterization (Infrared, ICP-AES, Chromatography, ..)
  • Physical tests (Traction, Flexion, Impact, Hardness, ..)
  • Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA, ..)
  • Rheological analysis (Plate Rheometer, Fluidity Index, ..)
  • Wear and abrasion tests (Tribometer, Taber Abrasion, ..)
  • Aging and weather resistance tests (Salt Spray Test, Xenon Light, UV Light, Humidity,…)
  • Specific tests (emissions, flammability, etc.)
  • Laboratory-scale to pilot-scale (twin-screw extruder, compression press)
  • Microscopy analysis (Optical, Electronic, Infrared)

Technological solutions and advice on:

  • Selection and replacement of materials and processes: Surveillance and selection of alternative materials, characterization, design testing
  • Improved mechanical properties
  • Improved weather resistance
  • Improved adhesive properties
  • Materials designed to withstand high temperatures

Coatings

NAITEC provides specific coating tests and analysis:
  • Chemical characterization (FTIR Analysis, EDS Microprobe, ..)
  • Liquid paint characterization (Density, volatility, viscosity,…)
  • Applied coating characterization (Thicknesses, defect analysis)
  • Aging and weather resistance tests (Salt Spray Test, Humidity, UV light …)

Biofuels, fuels and oils

Biofuels, fuels and oils must comply with a series of parameters required by law. At NAITEC, we offer characterization tests for fuels, diesel, biodiesel and other biofuels:
  • Characterization of oils, greases and oily residues
  • Glycerine characterization
  • Energy characterization of waste
  • Development of projects on the following topics:
  • Extraction and refining of oil and oily residues
  • Homogeneous and heterogeneous transesterification
  • Adaptation of biofuels to regulations/legislation
  • Compatibility studies of materials with biofuels
  • Biofuel stability studies
At NAITEC, we have been researching a wide range of materials since 1989. Our broad expertise, the advanced knowledge of our technical staff as well as the equipment of our laboratories, accredited by ENAC, make us a reference centre that can deliver personalized solutions to different sectors: automotive, wind power, energy, agrifood, packaging, household appliances, construction, etc.

We are also a pioneering centre in biofuels, fuels and oils. We are members of the Subcommittee 3- “Fuels” of AENOR’S Technical Committee for Standardization 51- “Petroleum Products”. The Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) of the European Commission has recognized us as a reference laboratory in biodiesel and diesel and we were the first laboratory accredited by ENAC (National Accreditation Entity) for biodiesel analysis.