Company offers infill analysis

Smithers Rapra announced that it will now offer analytical services for the testing of infill to ASTM’s new F3188-16 standard. The new testing services will support clients in measuring the presence of heavy metals in products made by rubber recyclers, infill processors, and artificial turf manufacturers, compared to the maximum allowable limit.

Rubber infill, consisting of recycled rubber granules, provides shock absorption for artificial turf surfaces in a variety of applications worldwide. Recently, numerous studies have been conducted to better understand potential dangers of ingesting infill, leading to the establishment of the ASTM F3188-16 standard to limit the presence of metals in the material.

“Rubber infill is often made using recycled tires. With our decades of expertise in tire and rubber testing, Smithers has a deep understanding of how to analyze infill samples,” said Jim Popio, Vice President, Smithers Rapra. “Smithers has a trusted reputation in material chemistry, especially rubber chemistry, so our labs are a prime choice for assisting with compliance.”

Smithers’ materials characterization laboratory is equipped with a Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (MP-AES) that offers sensitivity and range superior to that of traditional AA and approaching ICP-OES.

Smithers Rapra operates laboratories in North America, Europe, and China, covering a wide variety of testing and consulting services from material chemistry and product durability testing, to tire, wheel, and winter testing. Learn more about all services provided by Smithers Rapra at www.smithersrapra.com.