Polymer Testing Techniques
From Structure to Strength – Techniques for Polymer Testing and Analysis
Using a broad suite of techniques, we help verify product performance and uncover critical insights into material properties and composition – so you meet your quality, safety, and performance requirements and reduce operational risk.
This is our lane. Unlike generalist labs, polymer testing is our core focus. It’s not one service among many – it’s what we do all day, every day. From your first contact, you’ll get one-on-one technical guidance from a team with decades of hands-on polymer problem-solving experience. From credentialed specialists to PhDs, our polymer experts deliver the innovative, reliable, high-quality testing your project demands.
Start your project with one-on-one guidance or a quick quote.
Our Techniques
Working with polymers requires a different playbook. Unlike metals or ceramics – even when tested on the same instruments – polymer-based materials demand specialized handling, custom setups, and distinct interpretation. Our experts match the technique to your question, delivering accurate answers while controlling time and cost.
Chromatography
- Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC/SEC)
- Gas Chromatography (GCMS)
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
- General & Custom Chromatography Methods
Spectroscopy
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
- UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-VIS)
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
- X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF)
- Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)
Microscopy
- Hot Stage Microscopy
- 3-D Digital Microscopy
- Optical Profilometer Non-Contact 3-D Profiling
- Optical Birefringence
- Scanning Electron Microscopy SEM and SEM/EDS
- Transmission Electron Microscopy TEM
Thermal Testing
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
- Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
- Ash Content by Combustion
- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
- Melt Flow Rate (MFR)
- Rheology
Physical & Mechanical Testing
- Aging and Chemical Exposure
- Density / Specific Gravity
- Dimensional Analysis
- Durometer Hardness
- Tensile Strength and Modulus
- Flexural Strength and Modulus
- Compression Strength
- Izod and Charpy Impact
- Custom Test Fixtures
- Coefficient of Friction
- Custom Test Methods
Applied / Wet Chemistry
From Medical Devices to Food Contact Testing, Explore our Capabilities by Application
Polymers, rubbers, and plastics are everywhere. We’ve solved material challenges and provided testing for numerous industries. We test to recognized ASTM, ISO, SAE standards and support regulatory compliance with FDA 21 CFR, and USP.
Experience
Medical devices and medical products: Packaging, tubing, drug delivery systems, bioreabsorbable scaffolds, stents, catheters.
Pharmaceutical products: Drugs, excipient testing, raw material testing, drug eluting stents, and combination device testing.
Industrial products: Film, fiber, o-rings, adhesives, coatings, circuit boards, and tires of all sizes and shapes.
Aerospace & Defense: Tear gas, body armor, bullets, explosives, laminates, propellants, and epoxy resins.
Consumer Products: Mascara, mattress foam, microwaveable food packaging, carpet, women’s lingerie, and tanning lotion.
Material Suppliers: Resins used in a variety of products, polymer plastic pellets.
Accreditations
Our labs hold various accreditations including ISO/IEC 17025, cGMP compliance, and registrations for both the FDA and DEA.
Leading Polymer Testing, Backed by the World Leader.
SGS Polymer Solutions has 35+ years of polymer testing and analysis expertise. Since 2018, we’ve been part of SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company – recognized as a global benchmark for sustainability, quality, and integrity, named a top innovator by Forbes, and featured on the Forbes 500 List.