Analysis of polymers and plastics - spectroscopy, chemical and thermal

We have very good knowledge about chemical and physical properties of polymers and plastics. We perform material characterisation on plastics, fibers, coatings, adhesives and rubber materials byg DSC, TGA, FTIR and DMTA Failure anlyses are often occurring.

Comptetencde and impartiality

Our advanced instruments in combination with large competence about plastic materials, chemicals and regulations facilitate problem solution. As a governmental owned institute our clients can rely on our impartiality.

Analyses and investigations

There are several reasons to perform material analyses, for example to secure that the supplied material meet specifications, what does a recycled plastics stream contain? Does the material contain fillers or regulated additives? What is the glass transition temperature or the melting temperature? We can help you to find out. We often perform failure analyses on a product or material and try to find the reason for the failure and give advice to avoid failure in the future.

Instruments and equipment

RISE has equipment for thermal analysis such as DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) to measure thermal transitions i.e. glass transition temperature, melting temperature, crystallisation and oxidation. TGA (Termogravimetric Analysis) measures thermal decomposition, polymer content and filler content. The DMTA (Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analys) instrument measures rheology properties. FTIR Spectroscopy is used to determine polymer type, additives, impurities and effects of chemical reactions, for example oxidation. If additional analyses are needed to solve a problem we contact our colleagues for complementary chemical analyses or advanced microscopy. Standardised test methods as well as specifically developed test methods are used depending on the question.

Deliverables

Test results are usually delivered as a test report containing the results together with explanations and conclusions. We also have a dialog with you as a client throughout the test procedure to perform the most relevant analyses, explain the results and give advice.