Polymer testing

Identification of material

Infrared spectrometry (FTIR) is a widely used technique for chemical analysis of materials. Because of its considerable simplification and cheaper instrumentation, it is now widely applied to routine applications in industry.
Its advantages include: speed of measurement, financially and environmentally friendly operation, possibility of detection of both organic and inorganic structures at the same time (which can be both amorphous and crystalline in nature), availability of various technological modifications (transmission or reflective equipment), possibility to analyse substances in different states or phases (solid particles, gases, liquids, mixtures, films).

Density

Density measurement is an important parameter for the quality of raw materials and finished products under solid and liquid conditions. It is carried out using various techniques. It determines the purity of the materials before processing, and also whether a substance is mixed with the raw material. On the other hand, density measurement is also effective for understanding of the homogeneity of the raw material.

Filler (ash) content

The purity of the material, the presence of additives and the formation of any ash-forming substance considered as impurities can be assessed from this analysis.

Water content

The presence of water can significantly affect the quality of the product, its structure, durability, chemical stability and reactivity. One method is Karl Fischer titration, a widely accepted method for measuring water content in all types of substances, including chemicals, oils, medicines and food.

CIELab colour

The most popular method of colour measurement is L * a * b *. It is one of the general colour methods to reduce one of the main problems of the original Yxy colour method. In this colour range L * indicates lightness / darkness and a * and b * are chromatic coordinates. The +a * direction is red, the -a * direction is green, the +b * direction is yellow and the -b * direction is blue. The centre is achromatic. When a* and b* values increase and move from the centre, the vividness of the colour increases.

Lustre

Lustre can be defined as an optical element indicating how well a completely impermeable surface reflects light in a mirrored direction. The ratio of the intensity of the light reflected from the surface of the object to the intensity of the light coming to the surface is measured.

Condensable component content (fogging test)

These tests consist of measuring condensed - evaporated volatile components.

Odour

The intensity of the smell (on a suitable scale), the type of smell (description) and subjective sensations (pleasant, unpleasant) are evaluated.

Water vapour permeability

Water vapour diffusion is an action by which the partial pressure of water vapor is compensated by the interaction of molecules. Water vapour moves from places of higher pressure towards places with lower pressure.

Permeability, reflection of light

If light passes through some transparent material (optical environment), its electrical component interacts with the electrons of the material, oscillates them and the electrons of the material thus become new sources of radiation. As a result of these interactions, the speed of light in the material environment decreases. The ability of the material to slow the spread of light is characterized by the refractive index n.

Chemical resistance

Evidence of phthalates

Phthalates are esters of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (phthalic acid). They are widely used and most often used as plasticisers and are part of many kinds of packaging. Since phthalates are not chemically bound in these products, they are constantly released into the air, diffused into liquids and food, leading to exposure through eating and drinking, skin transfer or in inhalation. It is suspected that some types of phthalates have a carcinogenic and oestrogenic effect, therefore their use, especially in toys and cosmetic products, is limited.

Rubber evaluation