Additive Analysis: expertise description

Material properties of polymers and their stability in time are controlled not only by the molecular structure of the polymer but also by the additive package. The additives control thermal and UV stability, colour and various physical properties. Moreover the manufacturing of polymer products can be influenced via processing agents like anti blocking and slip agents while the product safety (food approval, flame retarders) can be controlled by choosing the right additive package.

Techniques

Within the Research Group Additive Analysis the additive packages and chemical polymer compositions can be characterized. Analysis and positive identification is possible of numerous different additives. Within the Research Group a data- and sample bank with over 1500 compounds is collected. In the databank for all compounds is, beside the physical, chemical and safety information, spectroscopic information (IR, UV, MS) and data about the chromatographic separation gathered. The analysis can be performed on a wide variety of polymers like: PE, PP, EPDM, ABS, PC, PET, PBT, Polyurethanes, Polyesters, Polyamides, Resins, PVC and blends.

Applications and projects

Determination of composition of a complete additive package of competitor sample
Quantification of additives on product specification
Analysis of degradation during compounding or aging
Determination of chemical polymer composition in polymer networks, polymer blends and block copolymers
Determination of the polymer composition in gels or pits
Trouble shooting eg. determination of the cause of discolouration of polymers
Studies related to migration and diffusion of additives in polymer matrices