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Six Application Notes to Improve Your Polymer Analysis

SelectScience
6 Sept 2018
Lui Terry
Administrator / Office Personnel

Editorial article

an image of polymer beads read for polymer analysis

Polymers can be analyzed by using a variety of techniques. These include: gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and capillary rheometry for polymer degradation; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for polymer crystallinity; size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) for polymer molar mass and size determination; and Raman and IR imaging for multilayer polymer composites. Here we’ve compiled six free application notes to aid your methodology and help improve your polymer analysis.

Characterizing Polymer Degradation during Processing using Multi-Detector GPC and Capillary Rheometry

This application note describes the molecular and rheological changes that occurred as samples of PS and PMMA were repeatedly extruded through a capillary rheometer, simulating molding. The capillary rheometer was used to measure changes in melt viscosity, while multi-detector GPC was used to characterize changes in molecular weight and structure in the samples after each cycle through the rheometer.

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Polymer Characterization Application Handbook

This free handbook includes a compendium of application notes on the use of chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS) for the analysis and characterization of polymers. Including details on convergence chromatography, UHPLC, supercritical fluid extraction, ion mobility MS, time-of-flight MS and alternative ionization techniques for polymeric materials.

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Crystallinity and Density of Polyethylene

The crystallinity of polyethylene (PE) determines the stiffness, the impact and tensile strength, the permeability and the resistance of the material. Therefore, its measurement is of paramount importance regarding the specifications of a PE grade. Bruker’s PE crystallinity application provides this information fast, with high precision and repeatability. Other commonly employed methods, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or density determination by displacement, are significantly slower and require tedious sample preparation. The analysis can be carried out at line by untrained personnel requiring no dedicated lab environment.

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µSEC-MALS: Absolute Characterization of Polymers with Light Scattering and UHP-SEC

UHP-SEC provides many benefits for the characterization of synthetic polymers and other macromolecules ranging in size from hundreds to millions of g/mol. However, these can only be fully realized with the addition of a µDAWN online light scattering detector for absolute determination of molar mass and size, in order to overcome the inherent limitations of size exclusion chromatography.

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Complementary Use of Raman and FT-IR Imaging for the Analysis of Multi-Layer Polymer Composites

In this application note, FT-IR and dispersive Raman microscopes were used to analyze multilayered polymer composite materials, and the benefits of FT-IR and Raman microscopy mapping and imaging for the analysis of layered polymer composites were compared and contrasted. A variety of different industries utilize multilayered polymer composites specifically engineered for particular performance characteristics. Confirming the composition and integrity of these materials is important for the industries that manufacture these products, as well as for industries that utilize these materials in their own products. The diversity of the materials used and the microscopic construction of these materials require analytical techniques with unique capabilities.

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Reliable Sample Preparation of the Characterization of Polymers

The analysis of polymers is executed with the aid of gel permeability chromatography. Suitable sample preparation is important in order to dissolve the polymers, however, the degradation of the material’s characteristics has to be avoided. An ideal solution for the sample preparation is the Variable-Speed-Rotor Mill PULVERISETTE 14. Using this mill, final material fineness of <80µm can be achieved. An embrittlement of the polymers with liquid nitrogen or grinding while adding dry ice avoid the degradation.

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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. Raman SpectroscopyRaman spectroscopy is used to discern the vibrational and rotational states of molecules and hence the chemical composition of a sample by measuring the inelastic scattering of monochromatic light. Explore a range of Raman spectrometers, including handheld/portable Raman spectrometers for QC/QA labs and in situ spectrometers for processes. Conduct Raman imaging for microanalysis of mixed samples using a Raman microscope. Raman spectrographs are also available. Find the best Raman spectroscopy products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.UV-Visible SpectroscopyUltraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometers are used to measure the interaction of UV and visible light with a sample, including transmission, reflectance & absorbance. The two major instrument classes are single-beam or double-beam spectrophotometers. More specialized equipment includes colorimeters, spectroradiometers and refractometers. Portable and microvolume spectrophotometers are also available. For the modular spectroscopy lab, explore a range of light sources for combination with a spectrograph/spectrometer and optics. Find the best UV-Vis spectroscopy products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.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.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.Mills, Sieves and PressesMills, sieves and presses are used to break and sort solid materials into smaller particle sizes for further processing such as pellet pressing or analysis. Milling equipment includes grinders, ball mills, cutting mills, jaw crushers, knife mills, beater and planetary mills. Sorting of smaller particulates can be achieved with test sieves and sieve shakers. Final powders can be pressed with hydraulic presses. Milling and pressing solid samples is an important preparation step in X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and diffraction (XRD). Find the best mills, sieves and presses 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.MillingMilling is the process of grinding, crushing, or cutting materials into smaller parts. In scientific research, it plays a crucial role in sample preparation for analysis in areas such as food, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. Explore milling equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.PolymersPolymers 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.SECSize exclusion chromatography (SEC) separates molecules based on size, ideal for protein purification, polymer analysis, and biopharma applications. SEC ensures precise characterization of biomolecules for research and industry. Explore peer-reviewed SEC products and compare options for your lab.

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