Polymer Characterization / Failure
Analysis Facility
Immediate access
to a powerful collection of capabilities for initial assessment, problem
solving direction, additional capabilities available when required.
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Microscopy with Digital Imaging /
Documentation
- Stereo Microscopy ( 1-64X)
- Incident Light
- Transmitted Light
- Polarized Light
- Polarized Light Microscopy ( up to 1000X)
- Transmitted Light
- Epi-Illumination
- Hot Stage Microscopy : 25°C-350°C, Multi-layer Film, Contamination
Analysis
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Thermal Analysis
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Differential Scanning Calorimetry ( DSC) 0-600°C-
Polymer Identification,
Melting Point, Glass Transition Tg, Heat of Fusion, Heat of
Crystallization, Oxidative Induction Time for Residual Antioxidant
Power, Processing Optimization, Polymer Degradation Studies.
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Pressure DSC ( Atmospheric to 400 psi O2)- Accelerated
Aging, Degradation Studies.
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Thermo Gravimetric Analysis ( TGA) , Filler Content, Ash
Determination, Polymer Stability Studies.
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Thermo Mechanical Analysis ( TMA), Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
( CTE), Glass Transition, Softening Point Determination.
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Melt Rheology
Dynamic and Steady Shear, Cone
and Plate and Parallel Plate Modes, w
= 0.01 – 300 radian sec-1, Temperature 25 – 350°C. Molecular Weight
Comparisons, Polymer Melt Flow Studies, Processing Optimization, Degradation
Studies.
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Spectroscopy
o
UV/ Visible ( 400-700nm) – Aqueous Dissolved
Oxygen Assay, Peroxide Assay, Color Analysis.
o
Fourier Transform Infra-red
( FTIR) Spectroscopy- Polymer ID,
Contamination Analysis
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Physical Testing
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Mechanical Testing of Polymer Film Samples,
Seal Strength Studies.
o
High Speed Pneumatic Actuation Small Sample
Testing up to 1000 in min-1.
