Spectroscopy Polymer Analysis

Formulate, characterize, and measure your materials using Thermo Scientific rheology, compounder, torque rheometer and mixer, extrusion and spectroscopy technologies. Whether you support research, QA/QC, product development or production, our products are designed to solve everyday challenges. At any stage of the value chain, you can rely on our comprehensive solutions to speed the development, production, and quality testing and analysis of polymers.

Spectroscopy polymer resources

Polymer analysis with FTIR spectroscopy

For polymer method development, deformulation, troubleshooting, and research, the Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS50 FTIR spectrometer is the ideal material analysis workstation featuring one-touch automation.

Go to the iS50 product page

iD7 ATR accessory for the Nicolet iS5 Spectrometer

A monolithic diamond ATR crystal and high-efficiency, all-reflective optics combine with a variety of interchangeable crystal plates to provide the robustness and flexibility to meet your material identification and verification needs.

Go to the iD7 product page

Nicolet iS5 FTIR spectrometer

For fast identification of unknown materials and product quality screening, the Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS5 FTIR spectrometer is your reliable partner.

Go to the Nicolet iS5 FTIR spectrometer product page

Multilayer polymer analysis with Raman imaging

Easily understand the layers of your sample with high resolution and quick visual results. Anyone can use Raman with the Thermo Scientific DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope.

Go to the DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope page

Combining rheometry with FTIR and microscopy: benefits and applications in polymer research

45 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Simultaneous rheological and optical measurements are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for product development in the polymer area. Here, changes in the rheological profile can be correlated with information on either the microstructure (microscopy) or molecular structure (FTIR). You will learn about:

  • Simultaneous rheology and FTIR spectroscopy measurements
  • Simultaneous rheology and optical microscopy measurements
  • Viscoelasticity
  • Thermal and UV curing
  • Pharmaceutical polymers and hot melt extrusion
What went wrong? FT-IR as a valuable tool in plastic failure analysis

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) is a fundamental analytical tool for the analysis of organic materials. It provides critical information in the evaluation of plastic failures—including material identification, contamination, and degradation.This webinar addresses the key information that FT-IR can provide in troubleshooting a plastic part failure. Specifically, the attendees will gain an understanding of:

  • Information that FT-IR can provide in the analysis of polymeric materials in order to maximize polymer problem solving evaluations and failure analysis
  • The interpretation of FT-IR results to evaluate the condition of plastic materials
  • Other analytical techniques that provide complementary information to get the most out of polymer analysis
  • Gaining a better understanding of FT-IR will allow participants to more efficiently and effectively use the technique in the analysis of polymeric materials, whether directly or through testing laboratories.
Rheometry & FT-IR spectroscopy: benefits & applications in polymer research

45 minutes with additional 15 minutes for QA

Learn about how simultaneous Rheology and FTIR spectroscopy measurements for product development in the polymer area allow changes in the rheological profile or properties to be correlated with information about the molecular structure and its changes. Additional discussion points include viscoelasticity, thermal and UV curing, and a focus on pharmaceutical polymers and Hot Melt Extrusion.

Watch webinar

Into the depths: analysis of multilayer polymer films by confocal Raman microscopy

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Raman microscopy is a powerful technique that can be utilized for the analysis of multilayer polymer films, thus enabling the control of composition and quality. Conventional Raman microscopy, which has spatial resolution as small as a micron, can be employed to analyze cross sections of multilayer polymer films. Confocal Raman microscopy can be used in situations where a reduction in sample preparation is desired, as it can generate depth profiles of the multilayer films, with no requirement for cross sectioning.

Watch webinar

Peeling back the layers: characterizing multi-layer structures using FT-IR and Raman microscopy

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Multi-layer polymer films, or laminates, are composite materials that are ubiquitous in a vast array of industries. Information about the makeup of individual layers is of great interest for manufacturers as well as for the end user. Vibrational micro-spectroscopy techniques provide valuable chemical information that is typical of traditional vibrational methods, but with the added benefit of also obtaining spatial information necessary to distinguish the composition of the different layers. This webinar will cover FT-IR and Raman micro-spectroscopy and their application in studying laminates. Topics include:

  • Benefits of micro-spectroscopy
  • Using software to help in multilayer analysis (wizards)
  • Imaging ATR and how can it help with your detective work
Your next packaging analysis tool: Raman microscopy

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Raman microscopy is a valuable tool for packaging analysis, with special emphasis on food-contact materials. In minutes, you can characterize multilayer material properties such as structure and thickness and can even identify layers with minimal sample handling. In this webinar, we discuss novel promising applications of Raman microscopy, such as:

  • Identification of migrants from adhesives through adjacent polymer or cardboard layers
  • Detection of contaminants at ppm level in aqueous and oil food simulants after migration tests
  • Simultaneous identification of several components of plastic materials such as base polymer, fillers, and stabilizers by means of software deconvolution tools.
Pushing polymer pellets: at-line FT-IR polymer analysis

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

FT-IR spectroscopy is a flexible, useful tool in the manufacturing and processing of polymer pellets and films. This webinar will focus on uses of FT-IR in support of QA of polymer production , whether by drawing discrete samples or via continuous monitoring. Topics include:

  • Overview of polymer analysis by FT-IR
  • Pros and cons of different sampling techniques
  • Discussion of continuous at-line film analysis of polymer additives
Breaking it down: polymer deformulation using FT-IR coupled to TGA

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Problem solving and reverse engineering often require sample deformulation to identify components and understand material process differences. This webinar discusses the use of Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) coupled to FT-IR spectroscopy for these investigations. Case studies show polymeric material deformulation, starting with sample analysis using the latest hardware tools leading to data interpretation using the unique Mercury TGA software which simplifies characterization of complex mixtures.

Watch webinar

Your next packaging analysis tool: Raman microscopy

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Raman microscopy is a valuable tool for packaging analysis, with special emphasis on food-contact materials. In minutes, you can characterize multilayer material properties such as structure and thickness, and can even identify layers with minimal sample handling. In this webinar, we discuss novel promising applications of Raman microscopy, such as:

  • Identification of migrants from adhesives through adjacent polymer or cardboard layers
  • Detection of contaminants at ppm level in aqueous and oil food simulants after migration tests
  • Simultaneous identification of several components of plastic materials such as base polymer, fillers, and stabilizers by means of software deconvolution tools.
Bet the pharma: application of diffuse reflectance NIR spectroscopy to monitor the output of pharmaceutical hot melt extruders

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Hot-melt extrusion (HME) is a continuous manufacturing process used in the pharmaceutical industry to improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. The advantages of HME over other pharmaceutical processing techniques include fewer processing steps, continuous operation and the ability to produce solid dispersions. In addition, HME is a solvent free technique so it is advantageous over solvent-based processes such as spray-drying and co-precipitation. NIR combined with the use of fiber optics enables real-time monitoring of HME processes since it is rapid, non-destructive, solvent-free, and eliminates the need for any sample preparation.

Watch webinar

We offer an extensive library of application notes on the following technologies:
FTIR, Raman, NMR, microscopy, FTIR software, near infrared, rheology, twin-screw extrusion, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction.

FTIR, Raman, NMR, and microscopy

FTIR software

Near infrared

Rheology

Extrusion & Compounding

X-ray Fluorescence

X-ray Diffraction

Videos

Polymer analysis with FTIR spectroscopy

For polymer method development, deformulation, troubleshooting, and research, the Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS50 FTIR spectrometer is the ideal material analysis workstation featuring one-touch automation.

Go to the iS50 product page

iD7 ATR accessory for the Nicolet iS5 Spectrometer

A monolithic diamond ATR crystal and high-efficiency, all-reflective optics combine with a variety of interchangeable crystal plates to provide the robustness and flexibility to meet your material identification and verification needs.

Go to the iD7 product page

Nicolet iS5 FTIR spectrometer

For fast identification of unknown materials and product quality screening, the Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS5 FTIR spectrometer is your reliable partner.

Go to the Nicolet iS5 FTIR spectrometer product page

Multilayer polymer analysis with Raman imaging

Easily understand the layers of your sample with high resolution and quick visual results. Anyone can use Raman with the Thermo Scientific DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope.

Go to the DXR3xi Raman Imaging Microscope page

Webinars
Combining rheometry with FTIR and microscopy: benefits and applications in polymer research

45 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Simultaneous rheological and optical measurements are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for product development in the polymer area. Here, changes in the rheological profile can be correlated with information on either the microstructure (microscopy) or molecular structure (FTIR). You will learn about:

  • Simultaneous rheology and FTIR spectroscopy measurements
  • Simultaneous rheology and optical microscopy measurements
  • Viscoelasticity
  • Thermal and UV curing
  • Pharmaceutical polymers and hot melt extrusion
What went wrong? FT-IR as a valuable tool in plastic failure analysis

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) is a fundamental analytical tool for the analysis of organic materials. It provides critical information in the evaluation of plastic failures—including material identification, contamination, and degradation.This webinar addresses the key information that FT-IR can provide in troubleshooting a plastic part failure. Specifically, the attendees will gain an understanding of:

  • Information that FT-IR can provide in the analysis of polymeric materials in order to maximize polymer problem solving evaluations and failure analysis
  • The interpretation of FT-IR results to evaluate the condition of plastic materials
  • Other analytical techniques that provide complementary information to get the most out of polymer analysis
  • Gaining a better understanding of FT-IR will allow participants to more efficiently and effectively use the technique in the analysis of polymeric materials, whether directly or through testing laboratories.
Rheometry & FT-IR spectroscopy: benefits & applications in polymer research

45 minutes with additional 15 minutes for QA

Learn about how simultaneous Rheology and FTIR spectroscopy measurements for product development in the polymer area allow changes in the rheological profile or properties to be correlated with information about the molecular structure and its changes. Additional discussion points include viscoelasticity, thermal and UV curing, and a focus on pharmaceutical polymers and Hot Melt Extrusion.

Watch webinar

Into the depths: analysis of multilayer polymer films by confocal Raman microscopy

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Raman microscopy is a powerful technique that can be utilized for the analysis of multilayer polymer films, thus enabling the control of composition and quality. Conventional Raman microscopy, which has spatial resolution as small as a micron, can be employed to analyze cross sections of multilayer polymer films. Confocal Raman microscopy can be used in situations where a reduction in sample preparation is desired, as it can generate depth profiles of the multilayer films, with no requirement for cross sectioning.

Watch webinar

Peeling back the layers: characterizing multi-layer structures using FT-IR and Raman microscopy

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Multi-layer polymer films, or laminates, are composite materials that are ubiquitous in a vast array of industries. Information about the makeup of individual layers is of great interest for manufacturers as well as for the end user. Vibrational micro-spectroscopy techniques provide valuable chemical information that is typical of traditional vibrational methods, but with the added benefit of also obtaining spatial information necessary to distinguish the composition of the different layers. This webinar will cover FT-IR and Raman micro-spectroscopy and their application in studying laminates. Topics include:

  • Benefits of micro-spectroscopy
  • Using software to help in multilayer analysis (wizards)
  • Imaging ATR and how can it help with your detective work
Your next packaging analysis tool: Raman microscopy

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Raman microscopy is a valuable tool for packaging analysis, with special emphasis on food-contact materials. In minutes, you can characterize multilayer material properties such as structure and thickness and can even identify layers with minimal sample handling. In this webinar, we discuss novel promising applications of Raman microscopy, such as:

  • Identification of migrants from adhesives through adjacent polymer or cardboard layers
  • Detection of contaminants at ppm level in aqueous and oil food simulants after migration tests
  • Simultaneous identification of several components of plastic materials such as base polymer, fillers, and stabilizers by means of software deconvolution tools.
Pushing polymer pellets: at-line FT-IR polymer analysis

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

FT-IR spectroscopy is a flexible, useful tool in the manufacturing and processing of polymer pellets and films. This webinar will focus on uses of FT-IR in support of QA of polymer production , whether by drawing discrete samples or via continuous monitoring. Topics include:

  • Overview of polymer analysis by FT-IR
  • Pros and cons of different sampling techniques
  • Discussion of continuous at-line film analysis of polymer additives
Breaking it down: polymer deformulation using FT-IR coupled to TGA

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Problem solving and reverse engineering often require sample deformulation to identify components and understand material process differences. This webinar discusses the use of Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) coupled to FT-IR spectroscopy for these investigations. Case studies show polymeric material deformulation, starting with sample analysis using the latest hardware tools leading to data interpretation using the unique Mercury TGA software which simplifies characterization of complex mixtures.

Watch webinar

Your next packaging analysis tool: Raman microscopy

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Raman microscopy is a valuable tool for packaging analysis, with special emphasis on food-contact materials. In minutes, you can characterize multilayer material properties such as structure and thickness, and can even identify layers with minimal sample handling. In this webinar, we discuss novel promising applications of Raman microscopy, such as:

  • Identification of migrants from adhesives through adjacent polymer or cardboard layers
  • Detection of contaminants at ppm level in aqueous and oil food simulants after migration tests
  • Simultaneous identification of several components of plastic materials such as base polymer, fillers, and stabilizers by means of software deconvolution tools.
Bet the pharma: application of diffuse reflectance NIR spectroscopy to monitor the output of pharmaceutical hot melt extruders

30 minutes with an additional 15 minutes for Q&A

Hot-melt extrusion (HME) is a continuous manufacturing process used in the pharmaceutical industry to improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. The advantages of HME over other pharmaceutical processing techniques include fewer processing steps, continuous operation and the ability to produce solid dispersions. In addition, HME is a solvent free technique so it is advantageous over solvent-based processes such as spray-drying and co-precipitation. NIR combined with the use of fiber optics enables real-time monitoring of HME processes since it is rapid, non-destructive, solvent-free, and eliminates the need for any sample preparation.

Watch webinar

Application Notes

We offer an extensive library of application notes on the following technologies:
FTIR, Raman, NMR, microscopy, FTIR software, near infrared, rheology, twin-screw extrusion, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction.

FTIR, Raman, NMR, and microscopy

FTIR software

Near infrared

Rheology

Extrusion & Compounding

X-ray Fluorescence

X-ray Diffraction

Spectroscopy polymer technologies

Spectroscopy

Identify, quantify, and deformulate your polymer constituents more easily and efficiently using our industry-leading technology. Speed your polymer analysis and get the answers you need to make critical decisions for QA/QC verification, troubleshooting, deformulation studies, reverse engineering, and product development.

Quickly identify and verify materials, mixtures and contaminants in polymer-based products. The Nicolet Summit FTIR Spectrometer offers reliable performance with an LED LightBar that immediately communicates pass/fail results in busy QA/QC labs.

Monitor product consistency, troubleshoot, or deformulate complex materials and stay compliant. The Nicolet Apex FTIR spectrometer is built with the Thermo Scientific LightDrive Optical Engine for best-in-class spectral resolution and accuracy. A 10-year warranty brings you reliable performance for a decade

Solve your analytical challenges with unmatched simplicity. Move from one experiment to another with the push of a button, integrating diamond ATR, Raman, and NIR. The Nicolet iS50 FTIR system is deal for polymer method development, troubleshooting, deformulation, and research.

Extend the capabilities of the Nicolet iS50 FTIR Spectrometer with an infrared microscope. Specialists and novice users alike can analyze samples more quickly with increased data capabilities, improved AI, an automated find and zoom function, higher optical resolution, and more.

Visually and chemically analyze your samples with this powerful combination of optical microscope with an integrated FTIR. The Nicolet iN10 microscope is ideal for small particle identification or high spatial resolution polymer characterization needs.

Easily implement laboratory-based FT-NIR performance in a ready-for-plant package using the Antaris II FT-NIR Analyzer. With industry-leading method transfer performance, the Antaris II FT-NIR Analyzer provides robust and reliable data collection for at-line, online and in-line analysis.

Optimize your QC testing while remotely monitoring the process using fiber optic simultaneous multiplexing technology and integrated communication for real-time feedback with the rugged Antaris MX FT-NIR process analyzer.

Analytical services labs are often staffed with scientists and technicians who must be able to walk up to any piece of equipment and get results without technique expertise. Optimization algorithms and automated system setup make the DXR Raman microscope easy to approach and enables a non-specialist to generate excellent results.

ARL EQUINOX 100

Determine the crystalline, microcrystalline or amorphous forms of your polymers. The ARL EQUINOX 100 X-ray Diffractometer will provide all needed structural information such as the polymorphism, the degree of crystallinity and the crystallite size of the polymers in order to ensure their structure-property relationship.

ARL QUANT'X Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

Identify and quantify the elemental composition and concentrations of inorganic additives such as pigments, fillers, flame retardants and stabilizers in the polymer. The ARL QUANT'X EDXRF Spectrometer is ideally suited to analyze and quantify various elements down to sub-ppm levels to comply with the different norms.

ARL PERFORM'X Wavelength-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

Analyze critical trace elements in polymers with highest sensitivity and lowest limits of detection across the periodic table with the ARL PERFORM'X WDXRF Spectrometer which allows bulk analysis as well as advanced elemental mapping and spotting down to 0.5 mm. It is your perfect solution for demanding quantitative polymer analysis.

Rheology

The MARS rheometer platform can be used to study the life cycle of a polymer—from its development in the R&D lab to the pilot plant and small scale production. Small sample volumes can be mixed with the  HAAKE MiniLab Compounder, and for further rheological testing, test specimens can be produced with the HAAKE MiniJetPro Injection Molding System.

With the HAAKE MARS Rheometers, the viscoelastic properties of polymer melts and solutions as well as of solid specimens can be tested in shear, oscillation, and elongation mode as a function of stress or strain, frequency, time, or temperature.  Rheometry is a macroscopic measuring method that provides information on the behavior of a sample under specified conditions. The mechanical properties of a material depend on its structure at the microscopic level. In order to determine the reasons for the rheological properties, rheological measurements can be combined with tests on the microscopic level, using FTIR or microscopy, for example.

Bring the flexibility of the HAAKE MARS platform to your lab and see how quickly you can respond to changing testing requirements of today's new materials.

This flexible measuring mixer and extruder system provides comprehensive material characterization during the development of innovative polymer products. The modular torque rheometer can be connected to an interchangeable mixer, single-screw extruder, or conical and parallel twin-screw extruder. Combining proven technology, state-of-the-art hardware and software with an easy-to-use interface, the PolyLab OS is ideal for QC and R&D needs.

Microcompounding

Our suite of conical micro twin-screw compounders are well-suited for R&D of polymers. All models use as little as five grams or seven milliliters of material for compounding—ideal if you compound expensive materials or work on a small-scale. Couple the micro-compounder with our mini-injection molder, HAAKE MiniJet PRO, as an extended workflow solution. Easily produce various test specimens from the compounded material in the HAAKE MiniJet, for further testing on our HAAKE MARS rheometers.

Designed to provide you with precisely controlled reactive extrusion of high viscous melts using only a sample amount of sample of 5 grams or 7 cm3, the HAAKE MiniLab 3 Micro Compounder is ideal for compounding expensive or small scale materials like bio-polymers. Simultaneously, the rheological properties can be recorded to document structural changes.

When compounding expensive or small-scale materials such as engineered polymers, the HAAKE MiniCTW micro-conical twin-screw compounder offers a fast, dependable, cost-efficient method to obtain tangible results. Quick and early assessment of a new material is key. Ideal for industrial R&D, the HAAKE MiniCTW allows researchers to extrude as little as 5 grams of material, helping to accelerate product development.

Eliminate worries of limited material quantities and produce various sample geometries using the HAAKE MiniJet Pro Piston Injection Molding System. Reduce costs by efficiently preparing specimens from as little as 2 to 5mL of material.

Twin-screw Extrusion

Wherever you are in the product cycle—research, development, production, quality control—our wide range of versatile twin-screw extruders offer customizable options for mixing, compounding, and processing viscous polymer materials.  With adaptability in mind, we created our parallel, co-rotating twin-screw extruders with flexibility and modularity, so you can modify the extruder to meet your needs now and in the future. For easy accessibility, a horizontally split, hinged barrel lets you take a closer look at the material during the extrusion procedure. To optimize the process or change the application, you can quickly convert the screw and barrels—reducing both time and expense.  

Choose the extruder for the amount of material you need: 11mm, 16 mm, or 24 mm. Designed for easy scale up, the extruder allows you to develop a new process on an 11 mm extruder and easily transfer it to a 24mm machine if more material is needed.

Extruder Save money and time developing polymer formulations. With only a small amount of material needed to conduct experiments, this parallel co-rotating extruder allows you to conduct numerous trials efficiently and cost effectively.

Prepare many different, small samples in a short time with minimum product waste. This extendable, modular benchtop twin-screw extruder is ideal for research, development, quality control, and small-scale production. 

This floor-mounted twin-screw extruder can be configured for a wide variety of applications, and its flexible barrel and screw design make it a perfect tool for your small-scale manufacturing and test samples compounding.

Spectroscopy, Elemental & Isotope Analysis Resource Library

Access a targeted collection of application notes, case studies, videos, webinars and white papers covering a range of applications for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, near infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, X-ray fluorescence, and more.

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