Approaches

We have multiple approaches for Polymer Characterization.  The following is a list of the most common techniques we use.

Molecular weight analysis is often determined by one of the following methods:

• Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
• Dilute Solution Viscosity Testing (IV)
• Melt Flow Index Testing (MFI)

Molecular Structure determines if a polymer is a homopolymer or a copolymer, for example.  Methods we use for this analysis include:

• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR)

Determining the morphology can answer questions such as: Is the sample crystalline? Is the sample phase separated? What size are the domains?  We use the folowing analytical methods to determine the morphology:

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

Understanding the thermal properties of a polymer can answer questions such as:  What is the melting point? What is the filler content? How does the polymer behave with temperature or deformation?  The following testing techniques can be used to answer those questions:

• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
• Rheology Testing
• Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
• Dynamic Mechanical Testing (DMA)

We determine Physical Properties in the following ways:

• Tensile Testing
• Flexural Testing
• Compression Testing
• Durometer Testing
• Specific Gravity & Density Determination
• Custom Fixture Development for unique testing situation

Additives analysis reveals information about organic or inorganic filler content.

Sample Considerations

Your sample considerations will vary based up on the testing plan required to meet your needs.  Contact us to discuss your sample considerations. 

Experience

Examples of products we've conducted Polymer Characterization on include

• PET resin characterization
• Drill Bits
• Bullets
• PLA materials, to determine baseline properties before initiating an aging study
• Rubber samples for various additives
• Tube samples for coating information
• Comparison of name brand toys to generic toys