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| Polymer Solutions Incorporated (PSI) is an independent laboratory and a strategic global resource for chemical analysis, physical testing, research and development services, and litigation services. We are ISO-17025 accredited, cGMP compliant, FDA registered and DEA licensed. |
 Polymer Solutions Incorporated 2903C Commerce Street Blacksburg, VA 24060 540-961-4300 | 1-877-961-4341 www.PolymerSolutions.com |
| Polymer Solutions Newsletter June 2009 |
| Bringing you chemical analysis, physical testing and molecular systems information you can use to better understand how analysis may help you fully characterize the materials you work with! In this issue, we discuss:
To add some fun, we again include some very interesting SEM pictures and a Cool Chemistry Link at the end of the newsletter. |
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) can determine the binder composition of a concrete sample – yours or your competitors! |
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FTIR Infrared spectroscopy (IR spectroscopy) is the subset of spectroscopy that deals with the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. A recent project of interest involved an inquiry where the client needed to know the binder composition in a concrete sample. By using the diffuse reflectance capability, the surface was analyzed using a specialized sampling technique where the low concentration binder was collected to increase signal intensity to detectable levels and was then library matched to a known binder. |
Thermal analysis techniques: analysis of a porcine blood vessel model |
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Thermal Analysis These techniques provide specific thermal properties of polymer materials and products but more importantly can be used to determine the composition of compounded plastics and rubbers as well as gain information regarding the condition or processing history of specific samples relative to other similar These techniques measure thermal transitions (DSC, DMA, TGA), chemical reactions (DSC), and the modulus or viscoelastic properties (DMA) of a polymer as a function of temperature, heating rate, deformation, and atmospheric conditions. A recent project of interest involved the DMA analysis of a porcine blood vessel model for its modulus behavior. This required setting up the sample such that it was fully hydrated in phosphate buffed saline under physiological conditions at 37°C. DSC instrument |
Inductively Coupled Plasma – analysis of trace levels of metal contamination in breakfast cereal |
 Diffraction grating of ICP Plasma |
ICP-OES Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is an analytical technique used for the detection of 68 metals and transition elements. A recent project of interest included the analysis of a popular breakfast cereal. This was digested in nitric acid in a microwave digestion cell. The digestate was diluted and analyzed by ICP-OES using a multi-element semi-quantitative method. The results were compared to nominal values calculated from the “Recommended Daily Intake” and the nutrition labeling on the box. For each element tested, the found value was within 50% of the nominal value, which is expected for a semi-quantitative method. |
Absolute molecular weight characterization via GPC of polymers using light scattering detection |
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Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC): Molecular weight is a key parameter determining the functional and material properties of polymers used in a wide variety of applications including medical implants, packaging, injection molded parts, adhesives, and coatings. We can provide you with absolute molecular weight with our instrument that is coupled to a light scattering detector. Work can be conducted in a very broad range of solvents, including NMP, THF, HFIP (for difficult PLA and PLGA materials) and aqueous solutions for biological, drug delivery and pharma applications. |
High Pressure Liquid Chromatography for additives characterization: |
 HPLC UV data vs standard |
HPLC: Molecules in solution are separated based on interactions with the stationary phase. Detection is through a UV/Vis photodiode array or evaporative light scattering detectors. Many of our clients have interest in identification and quantification of UV stabilizers and anti-oxidants in order to maintain quality as vendors are changed or new candidate vendors are pre-qualified. Additional applications include assay for active pharmaceutical ingredients in controlled release formulations and drug delivery devices and extractables and leachables testing for drug packaging and medical devices. |
Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) can identify trace components in packaging materials: |
 Residual Monomer Detection via GC/MS |
GC/MS: Applications of GC/MS include identification of unknown samples. Analysis of volatile or semi-volatile compounds can be achieved using headspace techniques or extraction and liquid injection techniques. Quantitative analysis to part-per-billion (ppb) levels can be accomplished. Residual monomer and extractables are typical concerns that we investigate. A recent project of interest included a concern from a major pharma manufacturer that their packaging bottles were leaching an antioxidant product that degraded to a toxic material that is banned in the EU. Our investigation confirmed their suspicion. |
Jay’s Cool SEM Pics of the Month |
In his day to day life leading the PSI Microscopy lab, Jay works with some extremely interesting materials. They are even more fascinating at high magnification. Here, Jay shares some of his favorites. In this month’s edition of the PSI newsletter, he shares some pictures that include (left to right). Click the pics to see larger version and description of each. 1. SEM-EDS with mapping was used to help identify and visualize the presence of bromine in crystals that were forming on the wristband of a childs toy (the bromine was most likely coming from a flame retardant in the wristband). 2. The knee of a mosquito in the SEM. He was flying around and Jay nabbed him! Note the interesting mechanical hinge. . . 3.Four micrographs of glass filler remaining after TGA was performed on a filled sample. The TGA heated the glass just high enough for it to start fusing as seen in the highest magnification picture on the bottom right. |
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Cool Chemistry Links |
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At Polymer Solutions, we pride ourselves on being experts in the fields of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. Many of us have spent years developing our collective knowledge base. Along the way, we have all grown to have a deep interest in science. Here, we share what we think are interesting science experiments that many of us have performed during out training, or on the side, due to personal interest. This month’s video demonstrates Prince Rupert's Drop. The molten-centered glass droplet has been cooled to form a solid exterior. The resulting droplet is so strong that you can hammer on the large end without causing a crack, but if you break the tail end it breaks easily and causes the whole thing to explode! |
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