Polymers & Plastics
Polymers and plastics are foundational materials for modern products and infrastructure. They are widely used across packaging, consumer goods, automotive, electronics, medical devices, construction, coatings, and industrial components. Because polymer performance depends on molecular structure, additives, fillers, processing history, and surface condition, small changes can lead to large differences in mechanical strength, appearance, odor, stability, and reliability.
We provide analytical testing and materials characterization for polymer resins, compounds, masterbatches, films, fibers, and molded parts, supporting R&D development, incoming QC, supplier qualification, failure analysis, and process troubleshooting. Our multi-technique approach delivers clear, decision-ready results—from rapid material verification to deep unknown identification.
Why Testing Matters for Polymers & Plastics
Polymer performance is sensitive to chemistry and processing. Common needs include:
Material verification (resin identity and grade consistency)
Additive and filler control (plasticizers, stabilizers, flame retardants, pigments, inorganic fillers)
Thermal behavior (Tg, melting/crystallization, thermal stability, decomposition steps)
Outgassing and volatiles (odor, fogging, contamination risk, cleanliness requirements)
Surface chemistry and adhesion (treatments, contamination films, weak boundary layers)
Failure analysis (cracking, delamination, discoloration, residue formation, particle contamination)
Our lab integrates polymer chemistry tools with thermal, microscopic, and surface analysis to deliver practical conclusions.
FAQs
Can you identify an unknown plastic?
Often yes. FTIR/Raman is typically the first step; more complex blends or additives may require Py-GC/MS, GC-MS, or NMR for confident identification.
Can you determine additive content?
We can often screen and compare additive signatures. Absolute quantification may require standards and a targeted method plan.
Do you support recycled plastics characterization?
Yes (project-dependent). Comparison workflows can help assess variability, contamination, and additive differences.
How do you handle multilayer films?
We can support layer-related studies using a combination of spectroscopy and surface/section analysis (project-dependent). Provide layer info if available.
Can you investigate adhesion failures?
Yes. Surface contamination and treatment verification is a common use case, often supported by XPS/TOF-SIMS and complementary methods.
How important is a reference sample?
Very. A known-good lot enables faster and more defensible difference analysis.