Polymer Characterization.

Comparison of "good" and "bad" samples,   analysis of unknowns as contaminants, analysis of commercial materials, testing security of trade secrets.

Methods frequently used:

FTIR for molecular identification.

Solvent extraction,   SFE or precipitation for additive isolation.

•         HPLC or low-bank GPC for additives.
•         GC-MS for volatile and semi-volatiles such as plasticizers,
          anti-oxidants and UV screens.

TGA for decomposition temp. and determination of mineral additives and
                filler amount.  Filler ID by XRF or micro-FTIR.

Polymer molecular weight distribution.

•         GPC for approximate MW distribution.
•         Multi-angle light scattering for absolute MW determination.
•         Extraction/precipitation and HPLC for oligomer patterns.

DSC for melt temperature or glass transition.  

Optical microscopy or SEM for phase determination.

NMR for confirmation of structure.  (partner lab)