The following measurements can be carried out as routine activities:
Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA, DTA) is used especially for:
- determination of melting and crystallisation temperature (ISO 11357-3)
- determination of structure heterogeneity of PE (PP) by the SIS(SSA)/DSC
- determination of degree of crystallinity of polymers and composites
- measurement of glass transition temperature
- analysis of the blends of polymers on the basis of their characteristic melting temperatures
- study of the kinetics of crystallisation
- measurement at low temperatures (to -90 °C)
- determination of the thermooxidative stability of polyolefines (ISO 11357-6)
- measurement of the thermal stability and mass changes in temperature range 25-1000 °C
- determination of organic and inorganic part content in composites
Methods for measurements of segment distribution and short chain-branching in copolymers, composition and crystallisability distribution
Apart from GPC, isothermal crystallisation (measured by DSC) and NMR, the methods of fractional crystallisation either from solution or polymer melt are used, e.g.:
- temperature raising elution fractionation (TREF), composition distribution, crystallisability distribution
- successive multistep isothermal crystallisation (SIC or SIS)
- successive self nucleation annealing (SSA, SNA)
- combination of methods, e.g. TREF-SIC, TREF-SNA
Microscopy
In involves both optical microscopy for examination of samples in transmitted and reflected light and electron microscopy (fitted with SEM/EDX probe) which is applied for morphological studies of polymers, composite materials, fillers and other solid materials.
Typical examples of this method are:
- determination of particle size and shape
- dispersion of inorganic fillers and elastomers in composites
- qualitative and semiquantitative analysis of elements (EDX, Z=11+ or Z=5+) in ash of polymers and composites as well as in screenpack deposits and other solid substances
X-ray analysis.
The method is employed for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples, crystallinity determination, size of crystalline parts and determination of degree of orientation. Difractor SIEMENS D-500 is used.
Evaluation of powdered materials. The following methods are available:
- particle size determination (laser analyser, 0.02 - 2000 μm)
- determination of whiteness of powders and composite materials
Other methods of evaluation
Flammability testing:
- LOI determination according to (ISO 4589, CSN 640756)
- UL-94 procedure (HB, V-0, V-1, V-2)
- glow wire test (DIN IEC 695, CSN 345615)
- combustible building materials (DIN 4102-1/B2)
- determination of burning behaviour of interior materials (ISO 3795)
- cleaning of parts according to ISO16 232
- microtome cuts
- emission properties of materials (PV 3341, PV 3900, PV3015, PV3925)