Determination of impact strength is an important test in material evaluation.
This parameter reflects a product’s ability to withstand sudden impacts. Vietnamese Standard TCVN 2100:1993 is widely applied in practical testing.
WHAT IS IMPACT STRENGTH DETERMINATION?
Impact strength determination is a test that measures a material’s ability to withstand instantaneous force. The material is subjected to a sudden impact. The result indicates its strength and resistance to fracture.
Impact strength testing is commonly applied to plastics and polymer materials. Some metals and composites are also evaluated using this method. This parameter helps assess safety in use.
In manufacturing, impact strength is a mandatory specification. Products that fail to meet requirements are prone to cracking or breaking. This directly affects product quality.

WHAT IS TCVN 2100:1993?
TCVN 2100:1993 is a Vietnamese standard for impact strength testing. It is equivalent to the Charpy or Izod test methods. The test is conducted under specified conditions.
The standard clearly defines test specimens and equipment. Test procedures are standardized to ensure accuracy. Results are highly comparable.
TCVN 2100:1993 is widely applied in laboratories. Many industries use this standard, especially plastics and engineering materials.
PURPOSE OF IMPACT STRENGTH DETERMINATION
Impact strength testing helps evaluate resistance to dynamic loading. Materials with good impact resistance are less likely to fail. This is critical in real-world applications.
The test enables comparison between different materials. Manufacturers can select suitable materials. Application efficiency is improved.
In addition, test results support quality control. Only products that meet standards are released to the market. The risk of failure is minimized.
PRINCIPLE OF IMPACT STRENGTH DETERMINATION
Impact mechanism
The test is based on the energy required to fracture a specimen. A pendulum or impact hammer strikes the sample. The absorbed energy is recorded.
Impact strength is calculated from the absorbed energy. The more energy absorbed, the higher the toughness. The result reflects crack resistance.
The impact occurs over a very short time. This simulates real service conditions. Test accuracy is ensured.

Fracture modes of specimens
Specimens may fracture completely or partially crack. The fracture mode reflects ductile or brittle behavior. This is important in material evaluation.
Brittle materials fracture rapidly under impact. Ductile materials absorb more energy. As a result, impact strength is higher.
Observing the fracture surface helps analyze failure mechanisms. This information supports material formulation improvement. Application performance is enhanced.

PROCEDURE FOR IMPACT STRENGTH DETERMINATION ACCORDING TO TCVN 2100:1993
Specimen preparation
Test specimens must be machined to the specified dimensions. Shape and size are clearly defined. Deviations lead to inaccurate results.
Specimen surfaces must be smooth and free of defects. Pre-existing cracks affect test outcomes. Careful inspection is required.
The number of specimens must meet standard requirements. Results are averaged. Reliability is ensured.
Test execution
The specimen is fixed on the impact tester. The pendulum is released from a specified height. Impact occurs at the defined location.
The absorbed energy is recorded by the device. This value is used to calculate impact strength. The test is completed rapidly.
Stable test conditions must be maintained. Temperature and environment must not vary. This ensures result accuracy.
Recording and processing results
Results are recorded as energy or converted values. Units are typically kJ/m². These values represent impact resistance.
Abnormal results should be excluded. Defective specimens are not considered. Reliability is maintained.
Results are then compared with technical requirements. Materials are classified as passing or failing. Usage decisions are made accordingly.
FACTORS AFFECTING IMPACT STRENGTH
Effect of material structure
Polymer structure greatly affects impact strength. Long polymer chains improve energy absorption. The material becomes more ductile.
Excessive crosslinking makes materials brittle. Impact resistance decreases significantly. Structural balance is necessary.
Phase distribution also affects results. Homogeneous materials show stable impact strength. This is critical in production.
Effect of temperature
Test temperature directly influences results. Low temperatures increase brittleness. Impact strength usually decreases.
At higher temperatures, materials become more ductile. Energy absorption increases. Test values rise.
Therefore, standards specify test conditions. Compliance is mandatory. Only then are results comparable.
Effect of additives
Plasticizers improve impact strength. Materials absorb energy more effectively. This is widely applied in practice.
However, excessive additives may reduce stiffness. Other mechanical properties are affected. Optimal dosage is required.
Some reinforcing additives also improve results. Glass fiber is a typical example. Uniform dispersion is essential.
APPLICATIONS OF IMPACT STRENGTH TESTING
Impact strength testing is used in research and development. Scientists evaluate new materials. Improvement effectiveness is measured.
In manufacturing, the test supports quality control. Nonconforming products are rejected. Market defects are reduced.
In addition, test results assist product design. Materials are selected to match applications. Economic efficiency is optimized.
CONCLUSION
Impact strength determination according to TCVN 2100:1993 is an essential test. This parameter reflects a material’s resistance to impact. Proper application of the standard is necessary.
Understanding the principles and procedures ensures accurate results. Material quality is effectively controlled. Usage risks are reduced.
As technical requirements continue to rise, this test is increasingly important. It is an indispensable tool in material evaluation. Manufacturers and laboratories must give it special attention.
VICHEM – AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR OF CHEMICAL ADDITIVES FROM MAJOR BRANDS SUCH AS COVESTRO, SINOPEC, BUHLER, AND MORE IN VIETNAM
Vichem is the authorized distributor of chemical additive products from major brands such as Covestro, Sinopec, and Buhler in the Vietnamese market. We not only supply high-quality products but also provide international-standard after-sales services.
- Technical consulting: Support customers in selecting products suitable for their application.
- Color-matching tests: Vichem specialists perform matching tests to ensure results meet design standards.
- On-site application support: Assist customers during integration into production lines to ensure optimal performance.
For more information, please contact us:
📞 Hotline: 08 1790 1790
📧 Email: contact@vichem.vn
🔎 LinkedIn: Vichem JSC
🌐 Website: www.vichem.vn
📌 Facebook: Vichem JSC




