Chemical Characterisation
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
Provides information about chemical composition of sample and is able to detect compounds present at >5%.
Uses: Determine chemical interactions between different components Identification of materials.
Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
Uses: Molecular Weight and Molecular weight Distribution of Polymers
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Routine analysis (quantification and/or comparative identification) of components in mixture by GC-MS.
Uses:
- Identification of unknown compounds (e.g. contaminant materials)
- Volatile materials identification in solid and liquid samples by Headspace GC-MS.
- Purity analysis
Soxhlet Extraction
Uses: This sample preparation technique is used to remove low molecular weight materials from a polymer system for further analysis by GC-MS or FTIR
Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Xray detector (SEM/EDX)
This analytical technique provides surface as well as elemental information about inorganic fillers.
Uses:
- Material identification
- Microscopic quantitative analysis of parts or components
X-Ray Diffraction
Non-destructive technique that reveals detailed information about the chemical composition and crystallographic structure of natural and manufactured mater
Goniometer
Measurement of contact angle for assessment of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity
Karl Fischer Coulometer
Uses: Moisture content of liquid and solid samples by Karl Fischer Coulometer
High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Uses:
- Routine analysis (quantification and/or comparative identification) of components in mixture
- Cleaning Validation Studies and Trace Analysis
- Purity analysis
- Analysis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient release
Drug Dissolution
In-line Pharmacopeia standard method for the detection of the release rate of active pharmaceutical ingredients through UV detection. Manual sample collection and analysis through HPLC also possible.
Thermal Analysis
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Uses: Identification of thermal transitions of polymers according to IS EN ISO 3146:2000; Method C2.
- Glass Transition temperature
- Crystalline Melting Temperature
- Percentage Crystallinity
- Decomposition temperature
Melt Flow Index (MFI)
Uses: MFI is the primary polymer property used to determine batch consistency and specification conformity.
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Percentage inorganic Content (including % Carbon Black and % CaCO3) based on ISO 11358.
Uses: Material Thermal Stability and decomposition kinetics
Rheometry
Determination of the storage (elastic) modulus, loss modulus, viscosity and shear strength of swollen or molten polymers. Twin pore and parallel plate rheometers available.
Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA)
Uses: Mechanical-Thermal Properties of materials
Mechanical Analysis
Tensiometer
Mechanical Strength of standard test specimens for calculation of Tensile, Compression and Flexural properties. A variety of load cells are available from 50N to 200 KN.
Uses:
- ISO testing on standard specimens or testing of the final product
- Tensile testing to measure material strength and elongation (flexibility).
- Compression testing eg pipe, tubing.
- 3-point bend flexural testing to measure flexural strength and modulus (stiffness).
- Weld strength, tear strength and bond strength.
- Customised testing eg force to snap-fit product, force to open casing, resistance to high loads, product safety, and so on.
Impact Resistance
- Pendulum Impact testing to Charpy and Izod notched and un-notched tests
- Falling dart impact testing using instrumented impact tester
Shore A and Shore D hardness
Uses: Measure of a materials resistance to permanent indentation
Ageing and Stability
Product Shelf Life Testing and Lifespan Estimation
Accelerated oven ageing to determine lifespan of product.
Oven ageing to verify Product Shelf Life stability of Medical Products.
Humidity chamber also available for more specific environments.
Xenon Arc Accelerated Weathering
- 1000 hour test to assess 2 years exposure, Northern hemisphere
- Product stability can be measured using colour change by optical analysis on the yellowness index or mechanical strength deterioration
QUV Weatherometer
UV light is responsible for almost all photodegradation of durable materials exposed outdoors.
Uses: Accelerated aging