This note investigates the degradation kinetics of virgin and recycled polyethylene terephthalate fibers used for 3D printing through TGA, finding similar lifetime predictions for the samples studied.
DSC step annealing is used to study the fine molecular structure of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) homopolymers and copolymers. The melting pattern, obtained after step annealing, is a characteristic “fingerprint” for small variations in structure. This “fingerprint” detects variations in the polymerization process, the molecular weight of the polymer, the fraction and the nature of the co-monomer.
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) provides a rapid method for determining polymer crystallinity based on the heat required to melt the polymer.
Materials such as polymers exhibit viscoelastic behavior which is directly related to molecular structure and formulation differences. To accurately evaluate the relationships between molecular structure and viscoelastic behavior requires that experiments, such as rheological measurements, be conducted in regions where the viscoelastic properties observed are independent of imposed stress or strain levels. That is, experiments must be conducted in the linear viscoelastic region.
The viscoelasticity and spreadability properties of cream cheeses can be quantitatively evaluated using TA Instruments Discovery Hybrid Rheometer.
This note will describe the linear viscoelastic region (LVR) and how to determine the LVR in oscillatory experiments for the purpose of obtaining quality data. All aspects of the LVR discussed in this note are general to viscoelastic samples, including (but in no way limited to) polymers, foods, gels, creams, pastes, slurries, emulsions, and inks.
The purpose of this study is to characterize three phase change materials (PCMs) – one paraffin wax and two beeswaxes. PCMs are widely used for thermal energy storage and thermal management due to their high latent heat storage ability.
Ash testing is a common technique used to determine the composition of materials. By heating a sample to high temperature in air all organic substances will pyrolyze leaving behind only inert and inorganic substances. This residue is then weighed to determine its weight percentage in the original material.
Various thermal analysis techniques can be used to monitor the cure level in thermosets. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), for example, can determine cure level based on the amount of additional curing (with associated heat evolution) that occurs on further heating.
This note illustrates the advantages of working with a thermogravimetric instrument in an inert environment by way of a simple example with a water sensitive material.
This application note will investigate the slurry aging and stability through its flow behavior and viscoelastic properties by using rheological methods. The slurry studied demonstrates a decrease in stability over time, which can be used to indicate the appropriate batch lifetime in a production environment.
The blending of two or more polymers is becoming a common method for developing new materials for demanding applications such as impact-resistant parts and packaging films.