ANALYSIS | POLYMER TESTING
production. However, SKZ (the German Plastics Centre) aims to challenge the status quo by focusing its research and development on non- destructive testing methods for inline use. For example, using UV/VIS/NIR-spectroscopy,
the centre says it should be possible to detect the amount of a specific additive in a highly filled polymer melt in real time using chemometric models. The accuracy of such models depends on the training data as well as the accuracy of the reference data. According to SKZ, in a model for a melt filled with 50 wt% CaCO3
proportion of recycled material is used. Inline measurement technology can also contribute to continuous quality assurance in polymer foam extrusion. In recent years, SKZ says it has been able to successfully use microwave radar technology as well as THz-spectroscopy for non-contact determination of foam parameters such as density and cell size distribution. SKZ maintains that the use of quality-assuring
the achieved error of
additive concentration was as low as 0.025 wt%. The implementation of chemometrics combined with machine learning could offer a solution to many current issues in polymer testing and could be implemented inline in polymer recycling, SKZ says. Using feedback loops, automatic adjustment of feeders could lead to a reduction of excess ingredients such as additives or colour masterbatch while guaranteeing or even improving the quality of the regranulate. This should greatly improve the quality of the recycled material and allow a broader use, even in highly sophisticated applications. Current research at SKZ also indicates that non-destructive testing methods such as THz- spectroscopy and ultrasonic-testing can be used to reliably detect gel particles and foreign material such as metal, paper or wood, in a polymer melt. These measurement techniques can make an important contribution to comprehensive and reliable quality assurance, particularly where a high
measurement technology will be indispensable to both the transition to a circular plastics economy and the continued high quality of products. It expects non-destructive testing to be a viable option in the shift from time and cost intensive random testing to 100% inline testing.
Molecular analysis A broad range of analytical and quality control solutions for characterisation of polymers, biomacromolecules and polymer-containing composites are available from Oxford Instruments. Its portfolio extends to techniques for monitoring properties at atomic, molecular, and macroscopic levels, and includes AFM, SEM, EDS, Raman spectroscopy and imaging, and cryogen- free benchtop NMR instruments. Asylum Research Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs) provide detailed imaging of polymer blends and composites using a probe to ‘feel’ the sample. This physical interaction means AFM can map both sample topography and nanoscale modulus and visualise not just the size and distribution of additives
Mobile spectrometer to ease plastic waste
With support from the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, BASF-subsidi- ary Trinamix has developed a portable handheld solution for identification of different plastic types on the spot. The solution, which is intended for use in locations where waste management infrastructure is limited or industrial sorting solutions not viable, combines Trinamix’s Mobile NIR Spectroscopy unit with a smartphone, data analysis in the Trinamix spectroscopy cloud, real-time access to results via a mobile app, and documentation of results in a customer portal. The partners are making 50 kits
www.compoundingworld.com
Left: The Alliance to End Plastic Waste worked with Trinamix to develop a mobile spectroscopy system to help develop plastics waste management systems
Speaking at the launch of the
initiative at the K fair in Germany last November, Trinamix Business Development Manager Adrian Vogel said: “Our solution allows users to identify plastic waste within seconds using a mobile
available, with usage free for the first year. The aim is to work with partners globally in projects to explore where plastic waste occurs, how it is handled and where it ends up.
device. The technology can help the sorters identify unknown samples and thus reduce wrong sorting due to uncertainty.” �
www.trinamixsensing.com
January 2023 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 47
IMAGE: TRINAMIX
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