eBook

Essential Polymer Material Analysis Techniques for Scientists, Researchers, and Engineers

Proactively Characterize Polymers to Improve Processibility and End-Product Performance

Polymers are used in a diverse range of applications – from food packaging to automotive materials – due to their versatility and low cost making them an ideal replacement for traditional materials such as wood, metals, ceramics, and glass. The versatility of polymers is linked to their intrinsic properties dictated by their molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and branching, which have a direct impact on processing and end-use performance.

For polymer scientists, researchers, and engineers, failing to comprehend how these properties impact processibility, and ultimately end-product performance, can lead to time-consuming and expensive setbacks. Furthermore, the emergence of recycled plastics poses challenges in managing variability which can complicate material characterization.

Fortunately, various techniques like Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Rheology are available to quickly predict processing behavior and troubleshoot feedstock variation.

This eBook showcases the various tools accessible to R&D and QA/QC environments for proactive characterization and troubleshooting processing issues while ensuring the consistency of their materials.

Keep reading this eBook and you’ll:
  • Learn how understanding the rheological properties of materials can help to identify and solve both processing and product performance problems early on.
  • See how to test up to three different samples simultaneously under the same conditions to quickly detect differences that can impact performance.
  • Discover rapid tests that provide verification that the correct polymers and amount of each polymer are present when blending polymer materials.
  • Explore ash testing and how it can be used for measuring precise levels of inorganic content in materials, including plastics.
  • Find out about using rheology and thermal analysis to help optimize processing conditions of recycled PET.
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