Newsletter - Tuesday, May 5, 2009
	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 May 2009

Bringing you chemical analysis, physical testing and molecular systems information you can use. In this issue, we discuss molecular weight characterization, resin ID, surface analysis, trace metals/volatiles analysis, and thermal analysis. To add some fun, we also include some very interesting SEM pictures and Cool Chemistry Links at the end of the newsletter.

Inductively Coupled Plasma – analyze for trace levels of metal contamination

ICP-OES Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is an analytical technique used for the detection of 68 trace metals and transition elements. It is a type of emission spectroscopy that uses inductively coupled argon plasma to produce excited atoms and ions that emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths characteristic of a particular element. The intensity of this emission is indicative of the concentration of the element within the sample. The sensitivity of this technique is quite high, varying by element, from 1ppm to 10ppb.

Molecular weight degradation during processing, storage or packaging can be investigated using:

Gel Permeation Chromatography: 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. Intrinsic Viscosity By measuring the flow time of a polymer solution through a precision capillary, we can measure the viscosity which relates to molecular weight. This is a rapid technique that is very cost effective.

SEM and Optical Microscopy can be used to investigate broken and/or failed parts due to cracking or crazing:

SEM of ductile pipe fracture

SEM/EDS: SEM can be used to image a defect on the surface of the part and identify the source of the defect as a contaminant by its elemental composition (determined by EDS). Optical Microscopy: Optical microscopy is often the first technique used to examine or compare products or prepare small samples before further analysis is performed and is often used to document sampling sites or phenomenon encountered during other tests.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) can determine the base polymer composition of a device or film - yours or your competitors:

FTIR Spectra of multilayer film

FTIR: Infrared spectroscopy (IR spectroscopy) is the subset of spectroscopy that deals with the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It can be used to identify compounds or investigate sample composition.

Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) can identify trace components in complex mixtures:

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.

Thermal analysis techniques

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 atmosphere: •Thermal transitions •Thermal stability •Viscosity •Material characterization •Filler content •Dynamic properties •Quality control

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 were recently featured in the January 2009 edition of CleanRooms Magazine . . . where his "Salt in a Hole" photo made the cover. Click the pics to see larger version and description of each.

Salt in a Hole

Calcium Lactate Crystals

Surface Degradation and Contaminant

Cool Chemistry Links

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. The first video featured demonstrates a version of the famous Clock Reaction. These 4 beakers change color in rhythm to the samba background music. Very cool! The second video illustrates laminar fluid flow using an experimental demonstration with a surprising result. Very interesting!

Upcoming Events!

PSI is attending NPE2009: The International Plastics Showcase, June 22-26, at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Nearly 2,000 companies will exhibit on 1 million square feet (93,000 square meters), more than a third of them coming from outside the United States. Approximately 75,000 plastics professionals from 120 countries are expected to attend.

PSI is attending OMTEC 2009: The Orthopedic Manufacturing and Technology Exposition and Conference, June 24 and 25, 2009 in Rosemont, Illinois. OMTEC fosters an environment conducive to learning, and has served as the event of choice for hundreds of orthopedic industry professionals since its launch in June 2005. Education is a competitive advantage, and OMTEC is proud to help hundreds of orthopedic professionals sharpen their edge.

http://www.PolymerSolutions.com

	"From day one, working with Polymer Solutions has proven to be a positive experience. The PSI team:   √  Consistently demonstrates a high degree of professionalism.   √  Takes the necessary time to understand our needs, plan an appropriate       course of action, and deliver meaningful results in a timely manner.   √  Is there, after the project, to answer any questions that might arise."
	G.P. Sutton, Ph.D. Americhem, Inc.

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