Polymer Testing Laboratory
ASAP Metal Testing has a complete chemical laboratory for Polymer lab testing. Our chemists and engineers have in-depth experience with solving:
- Formulation
- Temperature resistance
- Ductility
- Foul Odor
- Discoloration
- Temperature and UV Light Resistance
- Component Fractures or Failures
Polymer Test Methods
- FTIR Fourier Transform Infrared is used for unknown polymer formulations and contaminates
- DSC Differential Scanning Calorimetry can solve possible overheating while molding
- TGA Thermal Gravimetric Analysis can identify if fillers are at the intended concentrations
- GC-MS Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry performs assays and purity testing that can identify the cause of odors from the packaging.
FTIR Spectroscopic Analysis
FTIR spectroscopy is an analytical test method that collects high resolution elemental concentrations over a wide range of the spectrum for solids, liquids or gases. After sample preparation, FTIR analysis is a rapid process that provides:
- ASTM E168 - Infrared Quantitative Analysis
- ASTM E1252 - General Techniques for Obtaining Infrared Spectra
- An infrared radiation (IR) beam is used to excite sample
- Infrared spectrum output is compared against a library of 1.5 million known compounds
- FTIR can identify the base polymer of a compound
- FTIR can identify contaminants within the polymer
We routinely perform polymer lab testing where components service application is outdoors with ultraviolet exposure. FTIR analysis is one of the tools that can identify if a component exhibits polymer carbon peaks present from oxidation. Many components have additives to resist oxidation. FTIR analysis can confirm the presence of these additives or if they have been consumed by ultraviolet exposure and are can be more susceptible to ultraviolet decay.
Polymer Failure Investigations
ASAP Metal Testing chemists and engineers have considerable experience performing polymer failure investigations. Many different tests and examination comprise a polymer failure investigation.
Routine consumer goods such as sunglasses manufactured from polycarbonates are susceptible to cracking conditions from contact with various suntan lotions. Client returns subjected to polymer failure investigations can identify if the cracking and subsequent fractures are the result of abuse or from the polymer formulation.
Our chemists and materials engineers at ASAP Metal Testing have considerable experience with the required tests to perform a polymer failure investigation for identification of the root cause.
We also can reverse engineer competitor polymer components to help you understand how your product compares to your market competitors. The different options for the raw materials used by your competitors can help you formulate your product for the desired performance vs. cost.
Specifications
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