Testing services

The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry offers our expertise in polyol analysis, polyurethane formulations, and polyurethane research and development, focusing on rigid polyurethane foams and cryogenic polyurethane insulation.

Polyol and analysis

The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry offers a wide range of tests for polyol analysis and their feedstock analysis (fatty acids, oils, fats).

Hydroxyl value

For fatty acids and oils

The hydroxyl value is the number of mg of potassium hydroxide equivalent to the hydroxyl content of 1.0 g substance. An indicator of the total number of free hydroxyl groups in a sample is provided by the hydroxyl number, which is determined by this test. A large hydroxyl number denotes a high concentration of free hydroxyl groups, whereas a small number denotes a low concentration.

The determination is based on the standard DIN EN ISO 4629-2:2016 using TitroLine® 7000 automatic titrator.

Acid value

Plastics (polyester resins) and paints and varnishes (binders)

The acid value is the number of mg of potassium hydroxide required to neutralize the free acids in 1.0 g of the substance. The acid value content is an important parameter used for the characterization and the quality assessment of oils and fatty acids.

The determination is based on the standard DIN EN ISO 2114:2002-06 using TitroLine® 7000 automoatic titrator.

Saponification value

Vegetable oils and fats

The saponification value is the number of mg of potassium hydroxide required to completely hydrolyse (saponify the free acids and saponify esters contained in 1.0 g of the substance.

The saponification value is determined according to the ISO 3657:2013.

Oxirane value

For epoxy resins

The oxirane value is a measure of the epoxy content as the number of moles of epoxy group per 100 g of substance. The oxirane value is a measure of the amount of epoxidized double bonds in a material during epoxidation reaction.

The determination is based on the standard ASTM D 1652-04 using TitroLine® 7000 automoatic titrator.

Moisture content

For fatty acids, oils, polyols and bio-polyols

Moisture content is percent of moisture/water that substance will absorb from the atmosphere.

The moisture content is measured using the Denver Instrument Model 275KF automatic titrator using Karl Fisher titration.

Viscosity

For fatty acids, oils, polyols and bio-polyols or any liquid

The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its resistance to deformation at a given rate.

The rheological measurements are taken with a cone-plate system on Anton Paar Modular Compact Rheometer MCR 92.