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Odor Test

• Odor test evaluates the presence and strength of smells in materials.
• This test is used to ensure products don't have undesirable odors that could impact quality or consumer acceptance.
• Industries that use odor tests include textiles, food, and packaging.

Uses

• Quality control in manufacturing ensures that products like food, beverages, and personal care items have the desired scent and are free from contamination.
• Environmental monitoring helps identify pollution sources and track hazardous materials in air or water.
• Odor testing is crucial in food safety to detect spoilage, contamination, or off-flavors during production or storage.
• This test guarantees healthcare and hygiene products like deodorants, sanitary items, and medical supplies don't emit harmful or unsatisfactory odors.
• Consumer product development uses odor testing to create appealing fragrances for products like perfumes and air fresheners.
• Sensory research uses odor testing to study scent perception, aiding fields like psychology, neuroscience, and marketing.
• Odor analysis is used in criminal investigation.

Importance

• Health and safety protocols help detect harmful gases, chemicals, or contaminants that pose health risks, such as in air quality, food, or pharmaceuticals.
• Product quality and consumer Satisfaction ensures products have the desired scent, enhancing consumer satisfaction and brand reputation.
• Regulatory compliance helps industries like food and environmental sectors meet regulatory standards and avoid legal issues.
• Environmental protection helps identify pollution sources and reduce environmental impact.
• Brand differentiation ensures products have unique, appealing scents that help brands stand out.
• Forensic and investigative Applications helps identify substances, detect evidence, and track objects by scent.

Advantages

• Health and safety
• Quality control
• Consumer satisfaction
• Regulatory compliance
• Environmental monitoring
• Forensic use

Disadvantages

• Subjectivity
• Cost
• Environmental factors
• Complexity
• Limited testing
• Capacity

Where To Be Found

• This can be found in industries including food and beverages, cosmetics, textiles, packaging, environmental science, and even criminal investigations.

How?

Sensory (Human Panel) Test

• Preparation:
• Select a panel:
• Ensure the right test environment
• Presentation
• Steps to record the results
• Steps to Analyze Results

Instrumental Testing (e.g., Gas Chromatography, Olfactometry)

• Sample Collection
• Equipment Preparation
• Running of the Sample
• Data Analysis
• Result Interpretation

IBag Tests (Closed-Container Testing):

• Placement of sample
• Incubation
• Evaluation

Tools Used

• Electronic Nose (e-nose): A sensor-based system that mimics the human sense of smell for quick odor detection and analysis.
• Olfactometers: Measures odor intensity using a series of dilutions of a scent.
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. (GC-MS): Separates and analyzes volatile compounds responsible for odors.

Who Is Responsible To Conduct Aside From The Researcher/S?

• Quality control teams in industries like food, beverages, cosmetics, and packaging ensure products meet scent standards.
• Environmental agencies monitor air or water quality for pollutants.
• Manufacturers develop consumer goods like perfumes, air fresheners, and cleaning products.
• Regulatory Bodies ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in various industries.
• Forensic investigators - Detect and track scents related to evidence in criminal investigations.
• Product developers test and refine fragrances for new products.

Cost

• Basic Sensory Testing: Typically costs between $200 to $1,000, depending on the number of samples and participants.
• Environmental Odor Testing: For detecting pollutants in air or water, costs can range from $500 to $3,000 depending on the scope and location.
• Advanced Analytical Testing (like using gas chromatography or mass spectrometry): Can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the equipment and detailed analysis required.

Color Fastness

• Color fastness is a term used in the dyeing of textile materials.
• It characterizes a material's color's resistance to fading or running.

Uses

• Maintain the color of garments after washing, wearing, and exposure to light.
• Color fastness in clothing products helps preserve aesthetic appeal over time.
• Sports uniforms, especially those made from synthetic fabrics, benefit from color fastness to maintain their bright colors and branding even after frequent washes.
• Color fastness ensures that printed patterns do not fade or bleed when the fabric is exposed to washing or sunlight.
• Fabrics used in uniforms, equipment covers, and other industrial or military applications often require color fastness to ensure the colors are preserved despite harsh environmental conditions.
• High color fastness in products increases consumer satisfaction as the product will maintain its appearance over time.

Importance

• Ensures that fabric colors stay vibrant and do not fade easily, even after multiple washes.
• Reduces the risk of colors bleeding onto other fabrics, especially when washing different colored clothes together
• Keeps clothes, upholstery, and other textiles looking fresh and new for a longer time.
• High color fastness means better product quality, leading to satisfied customers and fewer complaints.
• Many textile industries follow strict standards for color fastness to ensure product quality and safety.
• Less fading means fewer dyeing or re-dyeing processes, which reduces chemical waste and saves money.

Advantages

• Long-lasting colors - Fabrics retain their original color even after multiple washes, exposure to sunlight, and usage.
• Prevents color bleeding - Clothes do not transfer color to other garments when washed together.
• Maintains aesthetic appeal - Keeps textiles looking new and fresh for a long time.
• Higher consumer satisfaction - People prefer clothes and textiles that do not fade easily.
• Better product quality - High color fastness ensures durability and meets industry standards.
• Eco-friendly - Reduces the need for re-dyeing, which lowers water and chemical usage.

Disadvantages

• Expensive Production - Achieving high color fastness often requires expensive dyes and treatments.
• Chemical Usage - Some dye-fixing chemicals may be harmful to the environment.
• Limited Fabric Choices - Some fabrics naturally have lower color fastness, making them harder to dye permanently.
• Difficult to Remove Stains - High color fastness means stains on fabric can also be harder to remove.
• Longer Processing Time - Some dyeing methods require extra steps to improve color fastness, increasing production time.

Where To Be Found

• Color fastness can be found throughout industries that work with textiles or materials that are dyed, including fashion, home goods, sports, outdoor gear, and scientific research labs where they test and certify the durability of color on fabrics.

How To Conduct The Test

• ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards are recognized internationally
• The tests generally focus on how well a material's color withstands various conditions, such as washing, light exposure, and rubbing.
• The AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) also has its own set of testing methods, primarily used in North America but widely accepted in the textile industry

Steps For Conducting The Test

• Choose the test: Picking the correct test (e.g., washing, light exposure, rubbing).
• Prepare the fabric: Cut a 4" x 4" piece of fabric and treat it (e.g., wash) if needed.
• Condition the Sample: Store the fabric in a controlled environment for 24 hours to avoid moisture effects.
• Test the Fabric:
  • Through washing
  • Trough light exposure
  • Trough Rubbing
• Evaluate Results: Use a scale (1–5) to measure how much color faded or transferred after the test.
• Report: Recording the results, showing how the fabric reacted to each test.

Who Are Responsible To Conduct Aside From The Researcher/S?

• International Organizations (e.g ISO and AATCC)
• Industry Experts & Scientists
• Testing Laboratories & Factories

Cost

Standard Document Purchase Cost

• ISO Standards (e.g., ISO 105 series) → $50-$200 per standard AATCC Standards (e.g., AATCC 61, 16, 8) → $50-$150 per test method
• Full access to standards may require a membership or subscription.

Laboratory Testing Cost

• If you send fabric samples to a professional lab for testing, prices vary:
• Basic Color Fastness Test (Washing, Light, Rubbing) → $50–$150 per test
• Comprehensive Testing Package (Multiple tests) → $200-$500+
• Large manufacturers may have in-house testing labs to reduce costs.

Equipment Cost (If Testing In-House)

• If a company sets up its own testing lab, costs can include:
• Launderometer (for washing tests) → $5,000-$20,000
• Xenon Light Chamber (for light fastness tests) → $10,000–$50,000
• Crockmeter (for rubbing tests) → $500–$2,000

Water Absorbency

• Water absorbency is a measure of how much water a material can absorb.
• This test can evaluate the performance of materials such as paper, cardboard, and etc.

Uses

• Evaluate paper & board Quality ensures packaging materials (e.g., cartons, paper bags) resist or absorb water as needed.
• Standardize manufacturing ensures consistency in water absorption properties for paper, cardboard, and related products.
• Optimize printing & adhesion determines how well ink or adhesives interact with paper surfaces.

Importance

• Material performance determines how well materials like paper, fabric, and sponges handle moisture, affecting their functionality and durability.
• Packaging protection ensures that paperboard and cardboard used in packaging resist moisture, preventing product damage.
• Printing quality controls how ink interacts with paper, preventing smudging, spreading, or slow drying.
• Textile comfort & efficiency helps in designing absorbent fabrics for clothing, towels, and medical textiles for better moisture management.
• Construction & building materials ensures materials like concrete, wood, and insulation maintain strength and durability when exposed to water.

Advantages Of Water Absorbency

• Quality Control - Evaluates the material's resistance to water penetration, ensures that paper or cardboard meets the standards for packaging, or other applications.
• Suitability for Packaging - By measuring water absorbency, it identifies if the material can withstand moisture exposure.
• Durability Assessment - Assesses structural integrity under wet conditions
• Improved Product Design - Balances water resistance and functionality, such as food-grade packaging or moisture-resistant containers.

Disadvantages Of Water Absorbency

• Decreased Durability – Highly absorbent materials, such as fabrics or paper, may weaken when saturated with water, reducing their structural integrity.
• Retention of Moisture – Excess water retention can lead to mold, mildew, or bacterial growth, particularly in absorbent materials used in humid environments.
• Increased Weight – Absorbing water adds weight, which can be problematic in applications where lightweight materials are essential (e.g., construction or packaging).
• Decreased Thermal Insulation – Some absorbent materials lose their insulating properties when wet, making them less effective in cold, damp conditions. Material Degradation – Prolonged exposure to water can degrade certain absorbent materials, such as paper or untreated wood, causing swelling, warping, or disintegration Analytical balances (for weight measurement) Moisture analyzers Cobb Absorbency Tester Dynamic Permeability Tester

Who Are Responsible To Conduct Aside From The Researcherls?

• Quality Control Teams: Ensure products meet standards.
• Regulatory Inspectors: Verify compliance with ASTM/ISO standards.
• Lab Technicians: Conduct routine absorbency tests.
• Industrial Engineers: Optimize materials for absorbency performance.

Where To Be Found

• University research labs (material science, chemistry, textiles)
• Independent testing labs (e.g., SGS, Intertek)
• Industrial R&D facilities (textiles, paper, hygiene products)
• Government or regulatory bodies (environmental agencies, ASTM, ISO)

Cost

• Test Type: Simple gravimetric tests are cheap, while contact angle analysis or advanced permeability tests can be expensive.
• Equipment: Basic tools cost a few hundred dollars, but high-end instruments (e.g., goniometers) range from $5,000 to $50,000.
• Lab Fees: Outsourced testing costs $100-$1,000 per sample, depending on complexity.
• Personnel & Research: Hiring experts increases costs significantly.

Durability Test

• Durability Test: assesses material's ability (bags, fabrics, and paper) to withstand wear, stress and strain under various conditions.
• These tests simulate real-world usage and determine strength, resistance, and overall reliability of the materials

Types Of Tests

• Bag Strength Test
• Tensile Strength Test
• Fabric Tearing Strength Test
• Tearing test of paper

Bag Strength Test

• Measures a bag’s ability to carry weight, resist tearing, and endure daily use

Uses

• Manufacturing School Bags
• Shopping Bags
• Luggage Bags
• Industrial Sacks

Importance Of Durability Test

• Ensures product reliability, reduces waste, and maintains customer satisfaction

Tools Used

• Double-Wing Drop Tester: used to test the damage of the product's packaging due to falling
• Martindale Abrasion & Pilling Tester: used to determine the abrasion and pilling resistance of all kinds of textile structures

Advantages

• Ensures product reliability
• Reduces risks of bag failure
• Improves material selection
• Enhances customer satisfaction

Disadvantages

• Additional Production and Testing Costs
• Requires Specialized Equipment and Personnel

Where To Be Found

• Manufacturing plants, Quality control laboratories, Independent testing laboratories

Drop Test

1. Load the bag with a predetermined weight.
2. Drop it from a set height onto a solid surface.
3. Inspect for visible damage or failure.
4. Repeat the drop multiple times from different angles.
5. Record any deformations or failures

Abrasion Resistance Test

Cut a sample of the bag material and mount it in an abrasion resistance tester. Set the machine to apply a specific load and number of cycles. Start the machine and allow the sample to be subjected to repeated rubbing. Inspect the material for thinning, holes, or visible wear. Record the number of cycles before significant wear appears.

Who Are Responsible To Conduct Aside From The Researcher/S?

• Quality Control Engineers • Product Developers • Material Scientists

Cost

RANGES FROM 2,921 PESOS TO 29,210 PESOS PER BAG Tensile Strength Test: Determines how much force a material can endure before breaking.

Cost

• Ranges from 2,921 pesos to 29,210 pesos per bag

Tensile Strength Test

• Determines how much force a material can endure before breaking.

Uses

• Construction Industry
• Aerospace Industry
• Manufacturing Industry

Importance

• Prevents structural failures and ensures material durability. Tools Used: Universal Testing Machine (UTM): The main functions of UTM are to test the mechanical properties of materials.

Advantages

• Provides accurate and quantifiable results
• Helps improve safety in engineering and manufacturing

Disadvantages

• Requires expensive machinery and equipment
• Can be destructive, making retesting necessary

Where to be found

• Manufacturing Plants
• Material Testing Labs
• Independent Certification Agencies

Conducting the test

• Secure the material in the testing machine grips.
• Set the machine to apply a gradually increasing tensile force.
• Observe and Record the results when the material reaches its breaking point.
• Analyze stress-strain data for material properties

How to conduct the test

• Attach the sample securely to calibrated load cells.

• Apply force gradually while measuring changes in force and elongation.

• Record the maximum force before the material fractures.

• Use Software Analysis for Precision Readings.

• Who are responsible

• Material Manufacturers

• Quality Control Teams

• Testing laboratories ranges from 5,842 pesos to 58,421 pesos per test

Fabric Tearing Strength test

• fabric tearing strength TEST measures fabric resistance to tearing under force

Uses

• Textile industry, garment manufacturing, upholstery production, industrial Fabric applications

Importance

• ensures fabric durability in clothing, upholstery, and industrial applications

Tools Used

• Elmendorf Tear Testing Equipment: evaluates the tear resistance of a material using the propagation of tear by a pendulum

Advantages

• Ensures Fabric Longevity
• Maintain Quality Standards

Disadvantages

• Requires Costly Equipment
• Needs a Controlled Testing Environment

Where To Be Found

• Textile manufacturing plants
• Quality Assurance Labs

Biodegradability Test

• A biodegradability test is used to determine how quickly and to what extent a substance (such as a chemical, material, or product) breaks down in the environment through the action of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and algae.

Uses Of Biodegradability Test

• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Research and Development
• Product Development and
• Quality Control

Importance Of Biodegradability Testing

• Environmental Impact Assessment
• determining how materials break down into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, biodegradability testing helps assess their environmental footprint.
• Regulatory Compliance
• Industries are required to meet specific biodegradability standards to ensure environmental safety.
• Waste Management Optimization
• Understanding the degradation process of materials informs effective waste disposal and recycling strategies, minimizing environmental pollution.
• Public Health and Safety
• Identifying materials that resist degradation and may accumulate in the environment is crucial for preventing potential harm to ecosystems and human health.

Tools Used

• Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) Test: Evaluates the potential of organic materials to produce methane (a key greenhouse gas) during anaerobic biodegradation.
• Biodegradation Chambers (Incubators): Simulate environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture, oxygen availability) in a controlled lab setting.
• Compostability Test Chambers: Measures the degradation of materials under composting conditions (aerobic decomposition).

Advantages Of Biodegradability Tests

• Sustainability Promotion
• Waste Reduction
• Consumer Trust
• Long-Term Ecological Benefits

Disadvantages Of Biodegradability Tests

• Time-Consuming Processes
• High Production Cost
• Unpredictable Degradation Rates
• Toxicity Concerns

Where To Be Found?

• Environmental Testing Laboratories
• Academic and Research Institutions
• Product Testing and Certification Agencies
• Industry-Specific Testing Services

Who Are Responsible To Conduct Aside From The Researcher/S?

• Testing Laboratories tests as part of their services, and These labs may be accredited by various national or international organizations to ensure the reliability and standardization of the results.
• Regulatory Authorities Government agencies and environmental organizations may require certain products to undergo biodegradability testing to meet regulations, especially for products like packaging and chemicals. These authorities help enforce industry standards and guidelines.
• Manufacturers and Product Developers Specialized environmental testing labs conduct biodegradability tests as part of their services, and These labs may be accredited by various national or international organizations to ensure the reliability and standardization of the results.

How Much Will It Cost?

• Overall Estimated Cost: From Sample preparation to certification, costs typically range between $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the complexity of the tests, the type of material, and whether certification is included.

Fermentation

• Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids and gases, and it occurs in yeast and bacteria.
• Types of Fermentation
  • Alcoholic Fermentation is a process where yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
  • Lactic Acid Fermentation is carried out by lactic acid bacteria that convert sugars into lactic acid.
  • Fermentation has common applications and they include food production, biofuel generation, and industrial uses.
• Fermentation enhances food preservation and nutritional value, ensuring that food products remain edible for longer periods while also enriching their health benefits.
• In medicine, that fermentation plays crucial role to produce important pharmaceutical products that help enhance human health

Advantages

• Enhances nutritional value of food products
• It helps the production of medicines like antibiotics and probiotics.
• Reduces foods spoilage and waste along with this, it provides an economic opportunities to the food and beverage industries.

Disadvantages

• Uncontrolled fermentation can lead to spoilage/mold.
• Requires specific environmental conditions for efficiency
• Some fermentation processes require costly equipment and maintenance
• Fermentation: Large-scale fermentation can result in strong odors, requiring proper waste management.

Where to be found?

• Natural environments like soil and plant surfaces.
• In food production facilities.
• it contains an Inside the human gut (microbiome).
• Also, Industrial biotechnology laboratories.

Types Of Fermentation

• Step By Step Process Of Fermentation
• Materials needed: • sugar • Yeast • Warm water (around 95-100°F or 35-38°C) • Fermentation vessel • Temperature-controlled environment (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C)

1. Dissolve the sugar in the warm water
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm sugar water. Let it sit for5-10 minutes
3. Pour the sugar-yeast in the mixture in the fermentation vessel
4. Seal the vessel with an airlock to allow carbon dioxide to escape without letting contaminants in.
5. Ferment it. Let the yeast do its work! (Fermentation can take form a few days to a few weeks
6. Montior the fermentation process regularly to make sure the temperature stays table and that is no mold or spoilage. • Home-based fermentation (e.g yoghurt, kombucha:) p 550 - P5,500 :small business fermentation (e.g craft beer, artisenal cheese) P27, 500-P550,000 • Large Scale industrial pharmaceutical P5.5 million - P550million

Who Are Responsible To Conduct Aside From The Researcher/S?

• Food scientist and microbiologists
• Industrial engineers and bioengineers Farmers and food production specialist Pharmacists and medical researchers

Cost

• Home-based fermentation is about ₱550 - ₱5,500
• Small business fermentation ranges from: ₱27,500 - ₱550,000
• Laboratory research fermentation cost:₱55,000 - ₱27.5 million • Large-scale industrial fermentation: ₱5.5 million - ₱550 million