In this analysis, samples are placed in a clean crucible and heated in an oven to 1000°C  to burn off all organic components.  Upon cooling, the sample is then re-weighed to determine ash (inorganic) content.

A microscopy method for the determination of surface topography (surface roughness) down to the nm level.

Measures apparent viscosity (resistance to flow) over a broad range of shear rates and at a temperature chosen by the customer

Determine the oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) content by combustion.

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion can be determined using ASTM E831, D696 as a guideline.  CTE can be used to determine expansion and contraction across a plane or in the direction of the thickness of the material.

Tests for the percent of soluble material and the percent of crosslinked polymer or gel using a exhaustive extraction method.

Samples are subjected to crygrinding at liquid nitrogen temperatures to prevent degradation.

Identifies volatile sample components in solid or liquid samples.  This technique is especially good for identifying residual solvents, monomers, and plasticizers providing high sensitivity. It is also very useful in the determination of the root cause of off odors.

This method allows the determination of the thermal properties of a material by providing a plot of heat flow as a function of temperature. This allows the examination of  the melt point, glass transition temperature, the percent crystallinity, and  the extent of crosslinking in many cases.

Tests for differences in the thermal characteristics of a material including melt point, glass transition, and crystallinity. Utilizes a sinusoidal heating rate to provide additional confirmation of the type of transition observed as compared to conventional DSC.

The sample is placed into a series of solvents of varying polarity to try to identify a suitable condition to dissolve the sample.

Utilizes the effect of Brownian motion to calculate the hydrodynamic radius of a molecule in solution. This method is prefered for particles below 250 nm.

DMA is a method for the study of the viscoelastic behavior of polymers. This includes identification of the glass transition temperature (Tg).

ESCA is a surface analysis technique used for obtaining chemical information about the upper atomic layers of a sample. This method provides the elemental composition and information about the chemical environment for each element.

Determines particle size based on the displacement of a conductive fluid through an orifice.  Excellent for particles from 3µ – 90µ. Provides an average size and size distribution.

Provides the mass spectrum for sample components as they are volatilized from the sample using a specified temperature program under a controlled atmosphere.

The sample is placed into a suitable solvent in a metal wire cage and extracted for a specified period of time. Alternatively, the sample is subject to soxhlet extraction for a specified period of time. Gravimetric analysis of the residual sample is used to determine the percent extractables. This technique can be coupled with mass spectroscopy to determine the chemical structures of the extractable species.

The Flexural Test provides the flexural modulus (stress over strain) of a material as an indication of the material’s stiffness.  For flexible samples the load at yield, typically reported at 5% deformation/strain of the outer surface, is measured as the flexural strength or flexural yield strength.

Tests for polymer weight average molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, and radius of hydration (polymer size in solution). FIPA analysis requires that a suitable solvent is found to dissolve polymer samples.

Identifies the class of a chemical (nylon, polyester, olefin, etc.) and can be used to screen for compositional differences prior to analysis with more definitive methods.

Includes purificationand isolation of a desired sample component through collection of the HPLC effluent. The resulting material can then be further analyzed by alternative methods.

A weighed volume of the sample (approx. 2g) will be submerged into a known volume of chloroform (10ml) for 1 hour with stirring. Extracted sample components will then be freed from remaining starting material by filtration (.5um filter) followed by concentration using an antivaporator. The solid will then be dissolved in a known volume of chloroform (1ml). The resulting liquid will then be injected into the GC-MS using an auto-injector and then transferred in the gas phase into a gas chromatography column. Components are then separated as a function of temperature and interaction with the column stationary phase. They are then subjected to an electron impact (EI) mass spectrometry source. The resulting characteristic fragmentation patterns are then used for component identification. Comparison of the sample spectra to reference spectra for thousands of known compounds often allows for positive component identification. Comparison with a calibration curve for known amounts of the reference material can then be used for quantitation. A three point calibration is standard. This technique only provides information on volatile sample components.

GCMS is one of the most widely used methods for the identification of volatile sample components. The mass spectra for unknowns are compared with over 190,000 reference spectra from the NIST spectral database for identification.

A weighed volume of the sample (approx. 2g) will be submerged into a known volume of chloroform (10ml) for 1 hour with stirring. Extracted sample components will then be freed from remaining starting material by filtration (.5um filter) followed by concentration using an antivaporator. The solid will then be dissolved in a known volume of chloroform (1ml). The resulting liquid will then be injected into the GC-MS using an auto-injector and then transferred in the gas phase into a gas chromatography column. Components are then separated as a function of temperature and interaction with the column stationary phase. They are then subjected to an electron impact (EI) mass spectrometry source. The resulting characteristic fragmentation patterns are then used for component identification. Comparison of the sample spectra to reference spectra for thousands of known compounds often allows for positive component identification. Comparison with a calibration curve for known amounts of the reference material can then be used for quantitation. A three point calibration is standard. This technique only provides information on volatile sample components.

A portion of the sample is placed into a headspace sampling unit at a specified temperature. The gas above the sample is then injected onto a gas chromatography column. Components are separated as a function of temperature and interaction with the column stationary phase. They are then subjected to an electron impact (EI) mass spectrometry source. The resulting characteristic fragmentation patterns are used for component identification. Comparison of the sample spectra to reference spectra for thousands of known compounds often allows for positive component identification. Comparison with a calibration curve for known amounts of the reference material can then be used for quantitation. A three point calibration is standard. This technique only provides information on volatile sample components.

The most widely used method for the determination of polymer molecular weight and molecular weight distribution.

A method which utilizes a multi-column set to provide significantly improved resolution as compared to conventional GPC. This allows for separation of components of very similar hydrodynamic size (molecular weight). Resolution by a single carbon is often possible out to aproximately C40.

Measures polymer molecular weight and molecular weight distribution realtive to standards of known molecular weight for polyofins at elivated temperatures (polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.)

Quantitates the ammount of a specified volatile sample component using MS detection.

Couples online FTIR detection with the power of an HPLC separation.  This provides chemical identification for each component and allows for observation of any changes in sample chemistry as a function of the molecular weight distribution.

Tests for polymer molecular weight distribution using a single wavelength FTIR. This allows for determination of the molecular weight distribution in the presence of other interfering polymeric components.

Tests for absolute polymer molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, intrinsic viscosity and radius of hydration.

Determines the weight percent of the desired component using a selective extraction.

This method allows for sampling of the gas above a material. Headspace analysis is especially useful for identification of volatile components responsible for off odor problems.

This is the most widely used method for the separation of sample components. HPLC can be coupled with a wide range of detectors including MS and UV to aid in component identification. Quantitation can be performed in some cases.

Quantitates polymer antioxidants which have been previously identified by other methods.

A chromatographic method for the sized based separation of very large molecules (> 1M)  or nanoparticles.

The Impact Resistance test measures the relative suspeptability of a plastic to fracture when subjected to a specific impact force.

An elemental analysis method for quantitation of a broad range of elements at trace and ultra-trace levels. Detection limits in the low ppb are possible.

Determination of inherent viscosity by solution viscometry measurements using a Ubbelohde viscometer.  Includes measurement at one concentration with triplicate measurements.

A measure of the ability of a polymer to enhance the viscosity of a given solution. This is typically determined by  solution viscometry using a Ubbelohde viscometer.

This method allows for separation of molecules by charge.

The sample is dissolved in a suitable solvent. The volume of water is then determined by titration using Karl Fischer reagent.

Measures particle size distribution using the observed light scattering pattern. The applicable particle size range is 0.1 µm to 2000 µm.

Determination of the limit of detection for a particular method.

Identifies or quantifies a wide range of organic sample components. LCMS excels for components which are polar or easily ionized. LCMS is not appropriate for some non-polar compounds and insoluble inorganic compounds.

The sample is dissolved into a suitable solvent and then separated by liquid chromatography. Sample components are then passed into an electrospray ionization source for analysis by mass spectrometry. Comparison against reference standard(s) of known concentration often allows for compound quantitation. This technique can be applied successfully in some cases in which non-volatility of sample components prevents their detection by other analytical techniques.

QTOF LCMS is one of the most advanced identification methods available. Identifications are based upon retention time, accurate mass to four decimal places and MS/MS fragmentation patterns.

Measures the weight of polymer extruded over a given period or time under a specified load to calculate the melt flow index (MFI). This method is a low cost technique commonly used in quality control applications for polymers.

The process of method development is research focused on the discovery of a method suitable for the analysis of a given sample.

NAA is one of the most sensitive analytical techniques used for multi-element analysis available today. The NAA procedure is capable of providing both quantitative and qualitative results for individual elements, with sensitivities that can be superior to those possible by any other analytical technique. This technique can be used to analyze some 75 individual elements (including certain organic elements) at trace levels.

This technique can be used to separate or purify components from a mixture  based on their polarity. Molecules which are more polar are retained and elute later .

Tests for chemical and compositional differences. This method is especially useful for copolmyer analysis.  Provides qualitative and quantitative information.

Light microscopy is used to obtain a series of digital images of the sample in transmission or reflection mode at up to 90x.

Measures the pH of a solution to indicate the acidity and/or basicity of the sample.

Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) is a method by which to enhance the contrast for anisotropic materials providing detailed information about their structure and composition.

Determines the pore size distribution and surface area by measuring the gas adsorption. Nitrogen adsorption and desorption measurements are appropriate for pore sizes ranging from 3.5-4,000 Angstroms .

Mercury intrusion porosimetry involves placing the sample in a special sample cup (penetrometer), then surrounding the sample with mercury. Mercury is a non-wetting liquid to most materials and resists entering voids, doing so only when pressure is applied. The pressure at which mercury enters a pore is inversely proportional to the size of the opening to the void. As mercury is forced to enter pores within the sample material, it is depleted from a capillary stem resevoir connected to the sample cup. The incremental volume depleted after each pressure change is determined by measuring the change in capacitance of the stem. This intrusion volume is recorded with the corresponding pressure or pore size. Mercury porosimetry is applicable to pores from 30 Angstroms up to 900 micrometers in diameter.

A method for the preparation of highly purified chemical products. This method can be used to prepare milligram to gram quantities of material.

The process by which a best estimate or aproximate receipy of the chemical composition of a material is determined.

The process of preparing a  new formulation. This may include creation of samples, consultation about initial production and sourcing of ingredients.

Tests for elemental composition from sodium through uranium. Provides quantitative data in the low ppm range for most elements.

PYMS is the preferred  method for identification of a wide range of polymers, polymer additives and other small molecules. It excels as an unknown identification tool for organic materials. PYMS is not applicable for materials which can not be volatilized.

The sample is dissolved in a suitable solvent and then passed through a differential pressure viscometer or a conventional Ubbelohde or Cannon-Fenske viscometer. The following parameters can be obtained – Relative Viscosity, Specific Viscosity, Inherent Viscosity, Intrinsic Viscosity, or Absolute Viscosity.

A separation method which utilizes hydrophobic interactions between the sample components and a column stationary phase. Reverse phase is the most widely utilized separation method.

SEM is used to acquire high resolution images (<100nm). This method has outstanding depth of focus providing 3-D images of the sample topography.

EDAX is used in conjunction with SEM to determine the elemental composition of the sample while acquiring high resolution images (<100nm). This can be used to prepare elemental composition maps of the sample.

SPE is a technique by which to purify or concentrate samples by selectively retaining and eluting the compounds of interest from a sample matrix, while removing interferences (unwanted species). Mechanisms for SPE include anion and cation exchange, reversed and normal phase.

Relative Viscosity is the ratio of the viscosity of the solution to the viscosity of the solvent. This is a frequently used quality control measure in the polymer industry to indicate molecular weight.

An extraction method allowing for the continuous removal of a desired analyte from the sample matrix. This method is utilized for percent crosslinking determination and for quantitation.

The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water under spefied conditions. This measurement can be performed on solids or liquids.

Samples images are captured by placing the sample on a glass slide and observing the light reflected off the sample. This method is useful for non-transparent specimens. Magnifications ranging from 35-90x can be obtained. Images are digitally captured and can then be analyzed to determine object size.

Tests for polymer branching differences based on changing solubility for different molecular geometries. This method is most often applied to determine the percentage of long chain branching in polyethylene and polypropylene (polyolefins).

Measures the force required to break a specimen (ultimate strength) and the extent of elongation of the specimen at the break point.  Data includes a stress-strain diagram related to the tensile modulus of the test specimen.

Tests for thermal stability of the sample by providing a plot of weight loss as a function of temperature. This method also aids in quantitation of sample components.

This is a quantitative method generally applied to determine the concentration of an  acid or base. Other typical examples include the determination of the hydroxyl content.

TEM is one of the highest resolution imaging methods  allowing sub nanometer resolution. It is required that the material be transparent to electrons or that it be particulate. TEM is appropriate for the analysis of nanometer sized objects.

This technique is best for samples which are partially transparent or for the observation of fine powders. Digital images of the sample are captured allowing the determination of object size. This method is appropriate for objects down to one micron in size.

UV-Vis spectroscopy determines the absorption spectrum for the sample in the UV and visible wavelength region.

The resistance of a sample to abrasion or wear is evaluated using a Taber Abrasion apparatus.

XRD is often used for phase identification or for determination of the percent crystallinity. A material must be crystalline for XRD.