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MATERIALS UPDATE: 7 Developments Changing Polymer Science
From news to application articles, discover the latest advances and methodologies in polymers and plastics
29 Jun 2018
Lui Terry
Administrator / Office Personnel
Editorial article
In recent months there have been some fascinating developments in the polymer research sector of materials science. From the development of crystalline 2D polymers to optimized nanoscale imaging of polymers, SelectScience® brings together all the latest news, application notes and videos in the Polymers & Plastics Community.
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Size Exclusion ChromatographySize exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a liquid chromatographic technique used to separate and identify molecules based on their size, including polymers, proteins, nanoparticles & nucleic acid. SEC is further subdivided into gel filtration chromatography (GFC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) when an aqueous or organic mobile phase is used respectively. HPLC-based SEC systems and columns are available for analytical separation alongside SEC spin columns or filters to prep samples for many protocols. Find the best size exclusion chromatography equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.LC-MSLC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) systems and equipment are used for separation and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures, combining liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Quantify proteins, contaminants, pesticides or screen for drug metabolites with a high level of sensitivity. LC-MS systems and equipment include reverse phase, normal phase and specialized columns integrated with various MS detectors such as time-of-flight (TOF), quadrupole, orbitrap or ion trap mass analyzers. LC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzer give greater sensitivity and resolving power to your analysis. Find the best LC-MS equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer.
InterferometryInterferometry is an investigative technique used to analyze the pattern of interference created during the superposition of 2 or more waves. An interferometer is used to produce 2 or more overlapping waves. The interferometer is comprised of 2 or more telescopes, a detector and a correlator. The interferometer detector may utilize homodyne or heterodyne detection of the interference pattern.NanotechnologyNanotechnology, or nanotech, is an engineering technique using molecular scale functional systems. Applications of nanotechnology include medicine and medical devices, electronics, air and water purification, food science and energy production.TensiometersTensiometers include instruments designed to measure the surface tension of liquids and instruments for measuring soil water content. Features of tensiometers to consider include accuracy, speed, portability and reliability.RheometryRheometers are used to measure the rheology of fluids, which is the flow of fluids in response to an applied force. The most common types of rheometer include shear rheometers (capillary, cone and plate and rotational cylinder) and extensional rheometers. Viscometers are similar to rheometers however viscometers only measure the viscosity of a fluid.ViscometersViscometers are used to measure the viscosity of a fluid. Types of viscometer include rotational, vibrational and falling piston viscometers. Options for viscometers include modular, portable, benchtop and temperature compensation and density measurement features.Particle CharacterizationParticle characterization instruments are used to determine particle size distribution, shape, surface area, zeta potential, density and porosity of particles and materials. Multiple tecchniques are available for determining particle size, shape and count including dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser diffraction, electrozone (Coulter technique), imaging particle analysis and single particle optical sensing. Determine the density of your material with a gas pycnometer or examine its surface area and porosity with gas adsorption analyzers and mercury porosimeters. Find the best particle characterization instruments in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Thermal Analysis EquipmentThermal analysis equipment is used for measuring heat flow, weight loss, dimension changes or thermomechanical properties and is important for analyzing a material’s performance and stability. Thermal analysis equipment includes differential scanning calorimeters (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzers (TGA), thermomechanical analyzers (TMA), dilatometers, thermometers, vapor sorption analyzers, boiling and melting point apparatus. Thermal analyzers can reveal properties such as melting, crystallization and glass transitions or other processes such as oxidation, decomposition, volatilization, as well as coefficients of thermal expansion and modulus. Find the best thermal analysis equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Electron MicroscopyElectron microscopes (EM) are used to create high-resolution images of samples at the nanoscale by means of an accelerated beam of electrons as a source of illumination. Types of electron microscope include scanning electron microscopes (SEM), transmission electron microscopes (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM) and cryo-electron microscopes. Focused ion beam (FIB) microscopes are useful for modifying or milling a sample surface with nanometer precision, as well as imaging. Find the best electron microscopes in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Polymeric MaterialsPolymeric materials are widely used in industries ranging from biomedical devices to packaging and electronics. Research into these materials focuses on their properties, including strength, flexibility, and degradation. Advances in polymer science have enabled the development of more sustainable and high-performance materials. Explore the best polymeric material products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Polymer FilmsPolymersPolymers are large molecules made up of many repeat units. Natural polymers such as DNA and proteins are essential to life, whereas synthetic polymers such as polystyrene and polyethylene are used widely due to their functionality. Typical techniques for analysis include GPC, SEC, DSC, FT-IR and NMR.
