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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 August 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:
Of course, to add some fun, we again include some very interesting SEM pictures and a Cool Chemistry Link at the end of the newsletter. |
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) can tell you the filler level, thermal stability, oil content, and other features about your plastic or rubber samples! |
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TGA Thermogravimetric analysis is a thermal analysis method. TGA records the change in weight of your specimen as a function of time and temperature in controlled atmosphere with a highly controlled temperature program. Some samples gain weight (oxidation) and others lose weight (degradation, loss of moisture or plasticizers). If the sample has a change in weight, the TGA will record it because it has a sensitivity of a millionth of a gram. |
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) will show you all of the critical transitions your plastic or rubber material has! |
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DSC Differential scanning calorimetry is a thermal analysis method. DSC records the change in heat capacity of your sample as a function of time and temperature in a controlled atmosphere with a highly controlled temperature program. Residual cure, melting, crystallization, glass transition temperature, and residual cure are clearly revealed by DSC. In our laboratory we use conventional DSC, modulated DSC, and we have sub-ambient capability. Recently, a client was having issues with molded parts. There was suspicion that the resin shipped was not the correct resin. We used DSC to look at the thermal transitions of the two resin samples. The DSC clearly showed by the difference in the two melting peaks that one resin was Nylon 6 and the other was Nylon 6,6. |
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy will figure out the chemical structure of your polymer or additive! |
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NMR Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is the method that allows us to determine the connection of chemical elements to each other and from there to figure out the chemical structure of polymers and additives. Although carbon and proton NMR are most commonly used, we also can perform NMR analysis of other elements, such as fluorine, silicon, and phosphorus. We also can acquire variable temperature and solid-state NMR spectra. Recently, we used NMR to help a client develop an acceptable molding procedure for a medical part. There was concern about potential contamination of an extruder screw causing cross contamination. The client swabbed their extruder screw with a solvent-wetted swab, then sealed it in a tube and sent it to us. We treated the swab in-house, and then analyzed the polymer content by proton NMR to determine the polymer content at a 0.4 µg/cm2. |
Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) can identify trace components in molded products: |
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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 used GC-MS in the headspace mode to determine if the plastic lens from a meat thermometer would emit any hazardous chemicals. Our analysis indicated specific chemicals that were released and we used their MSDS sheets to aid the client in a risk assessment. |
Absolute molecular weight characterization via GPC of polymers using light scattering detection: |
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GPC: Molecular weight is a key parameter that determines the properties of polymers used in a wide variety of applications including medical implants, packaging, injection molded parts, adhesives, and coatings. We provide you with absolute molecular weight because our instruments utilize light scattering detection. In our laboratories we use a very broad range of solvents, including NMP, THF, HFIP, chloroform, and aqueous solutions for biological, drug delivery and pharma applications. Recently, we performed GPC analysis on an industrial product made from PET fiber that was failing during use. GPC analysis indicated that there was a substantial molecular weight loss in the PET fiber during use. |
Sometimes the lawyers need to get involved: |
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Litigation Support and Expert Witness Services: PSI has several staff members with experience providing support in matters involving patent disputes, manufacturing defects, product liability, theft of trade secrets, and other matters involving the application of polymer chemistry, analytical chemistry, and materials science to specific legal issues. Our experts and support staff work for the plaintiff or the defense, after performing a conflict of interest check, verifying we possess the appropriate expertise, and assuring we can meet the required project timeline. Recently, we provided detailed chemical analysis, simulation testing, deposition testimony, and trial testimony involving an electrical component of an automotive system. |
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). 1. Vespula Vulgaris, or the common wasp, is a type of wasp found in most of the northern hemisphere. This is an image of the wasp’s compound eye. 2. A plastic dogbone-shaped test specimen shown using cross polarization then solarized for dramatic effect. This type of optical birefringence allows for a non-destructive qualitative assessment of residual or molded-in stress. 3. Image of the knit pattern in an specialized engineered fabric. |
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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 three viscoelastic effects in one liquid: The Barus Effect The Weissenberg Effect The Kaye Effect |
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