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Test procedure (HotSpot) |
Dimensional stability of thermal sensitive materials (HotSpot)
In the following short survey, we would like to inform you at the outset about the result of a test method development for the thermal material behaviour of floor coverings. The procedure already provides a number of measurement possibilities for other products. Together, we would like to learn more about your needs from the answers to the questions in order to realise product maturity in your sense.
A video to give you an understanding of the process can be found here: HotSpot Explanation - Video (Youtube)
The material basis of resilient and multi-layer modular floor coverings are plastics, whose disadvantage can be their sensitivity to temperature. This can become apparent in practice when the floor coverings react to partial sunlight with deformations. There is no normative measurement method that could represent such a process.
Currently, the normative test of dimensional stability according to EN ISO 23999 is used to prove the thermal behaviour of such floor coverings. Here, small test specimens are stored on a steel plate for 6 h at 80 °C in an air circulation cabinet. After cooling for 24 h at 23°C/50 % relative humidity, the dimensional changes are recorded in the x, y and z directions.
Investigations have shown that statements on the thermal behaviour of these floor coverings according to this normative test method and on the behaviour when partially heated by solar radiation are often not congruent. This means that the current normative test often does not reflect the behaviour in practice.
The results of our development work within the scope of a three-year research project are 2 technical test set-ups. The large test stand (test area approx. 4.7 m²) is a reference procedure that directly reflects practical experience. The portable tabletop version (test area approx. 0.4 m²) is to be regarded as a derived procedure. Both set-ups can be used to simulate the partial heating from above of floor coverings laid with floating underlays. The deformation of the floor covering can be measured at different stages of the tempering process. Defined threshold values allow an evaluation of the thermal deformation behaviour. The test procedures are described in the IHD work standards 487 and 488.
The equipment solutions need to be further optimised for use by other users.
The questionnaire is intended to identify the need for such testing facilities and their equipment features. By answering it, you will help us a lot.