EQUIPMENT | MATERIALS TESTING PHOTO: NETZSCH


Right: The Polyma DSC system from Netzsch is being used by recycler Purus Plastics


Mechanical Analysis - DMA). Comprehensive data interpretation and automated instrument operation will continue to gain in importance.” Pflock highlights a number of technical areas where new developments in materials testing are likely to prove vital. These include the progress of electromobility, which will continue to require new material develop- ments. In some industry areas processors are also calling for continuous characterisation of the material used – meaning full traceability of the compound on a batch-by-batch basis. In addition, skills shortages require sensitive but simplified analysis methods and Netzsch is addressing this by focusing on usability aspects of product and software design. Specifically, monitoring thermal conductivity of compounds is an area where the company believes it can deliver solutions for efficient characterisation of thermal properties, for example through Laser Flash Analysis (LFA). There is also a growing demand for better characterisation of the process- ability of compounds for additive manufacturing, where thermal analysis is one of the most impor- tant test methods and will assist the development of better compounds for this application.


System approach


Below: This auto-sampler system is the latest addition to the Netzsch line of TGA/DSC instruments


Netzsch has developed a holistic measurement approach, starting from sample preparation to instrument operation, and resulting in evaluation that interacts between hardware and software. The company says that its Proteus software platform is designed to allow automation of materials testing while reducing complexity. Proteus products


include Netzsch SmartMode – a simplified method- based user interface that allows measurements to start faster. Netzsch AutoEvaluation is an automat- ed result evaluation process for thermal analysis curves that avoids user influence on measurement results from different laboratories. And Netzsch Identify offers database functionality for automated data interpretation of DSC and TGA curves. While this is a common procedure for some other techniques, such as spectroscopy, the company says it is not so widespread for thermal analysis. Netzsch recently supplied German recycler Purus Plastics with equipment for DSC analysis. The manufacturer and processor of post-consumer waste recyclate – an inhomogeneous mixture of different plastics – was developing products that required better mechanical properties, which needed the more sensitive evaluation of the compound composition that DSC could provide over a simple Melt Flow Index. As a SME, its quality control resources were limited but the DSC Polyma equipment and Proteus software provided an easy to use solution that could add value to the business. A recent addition to the Netzsch range of TGA and DSC instruments is an auto-sampler that can boost sample throughput in volume routine thermal analysis applications. Two removable trays can be filled with up to 192 crucibles/pans plus 12 samples on a separate calibration strip for calibra- tion and correction purposes. This enables users to get up to 76% faster results compared to an instrument with no autosampler. Users can run tests over a weekend or start a calibration in the evening and have the instrument ready to begin measure- ments once the work day resumes the following morning. The high-capacity sample trays can be easily archived and are identified by a machine readable 2D code. The company’s Proteus software is able to identify the tray and remembers data such as sample type, crucible type and filled positions of the tray. The automatic sample changer handles different types of crucibles/pans while the SafeTouch


72 COMPOUNDING WORLD | April 2018 www.compoundingworld.com


PHOTO: NETZSCH


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94