POLYMER TESTING | ANALYSIS
like silica and carbon black in rubber blends, but also localise small quantities of oils and coupling agents. New generation AFMs are said to have greatly simplified this nanoscale characterisation and require minimal sample preparation compared to other microscopy techniques. Raman spectral analysis is another method of
characterising polymers and sample contamina- tions and defects. Confocal Raman microscopes from WITec enable fast and high-resolution Raman imaging, visualizing the spatial distribution of components and material properties such as crystallinity, orientation and stress states. The chemical information is colour-coded in the Raman images. Last year, Oxford Instruments launched the
Below: Brabender’s TSSR-Meter can be used to analyse stress relaxation behaviour within
thermoplastics and elastomers under iso- and anisothermal conditions
X-Pulse benchtop broadband NMR spectrometer with X-Auto automatic sample changer. New functions increase ease of use, throughput and remote working capability, while further reducing ongoing costs by removing the need for deuter- ated solvents. Continuous flow monitoring and advanced sample temperature control are coupled with broadband nuclei selection to address a diverse range of analytical chemistry needs. The combination with the new X-Auto sample
changer, which allows up to 25 samples to be preloaded, and the new functionality of the SpinFlow 3.1 software lifts overall efficiency. By reordering experimental queues, short duration experiments can be prioritised to quickly deter- mine the value of continuing with longer experi- ments. Pre-loaded samples can also be changed and new experiments added or modified through a remote connection. “The new X-Pulse and X-Auto sample changer allows our customers to make a step change in throughput and efficiency of their research and process control, enhancing new remote and hybrid working patterns,” claims Dr Ian Wilcock, Managing Director Oxford Instru- ments Materials Analysis.
Exploring stress Polymer testing is extending to every facet of production. Brabender says it has become particularly adept at testing quality of films where it says its TSSR-Meter (Temperature Scanning Stress Relaxation), which character- ises the stress relaxation behaviour within thermoplas- tics and elastomers under iso- and anisothermal conditions (AISR-method – Anisothermal
48 COMPOUNDING WORLD | January 2023
Above: Raman spectral analysis provides a tool to characterise polymers and sample defects using special imaging techniques to visualise spatial distribution of components or material properties such as crystallinity, orientation and stress
Stress Relaxation), has become a crucial tool. “Developed initially for the characterisation of elastomeric materials, the TSSR-Meter can also be applied for the analysis of thermoplastic materials in form of thin rod-shaped specimens and films,” says Michael Stanko, Business Development Manager Plastics and Rubber at Brabender. “The performance of TSSR tests for films are similar to the tests on elastomeric materials [whereby] specimens according to DIN EN ISO 527-3 are inserted into appropriate clamps and subsequently tested,” he says. “In the AISR mode, the sample can be heated in a temperature chamber during the relaxation process at a user-defined constant strain by means of a temperature ramp to a maximum of 300°C. This provides information on the time and temperature dependent progression of the force respectively stress drop.” The TSSR represents a useful tool for rapid quality
control and evaluation of expected long-term properties, particularly in the context of monitoring manufacturing processes, which are strongly influenced by batch fluctuations. As the use of recyclates and bioplastics with material-specific property variations increases, this aspect is becoming increasingly important, Brabender claims.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.netzsch.com �
www.hitachi-hightech.com �
www.labtwin.com �
www.impact-solutions.co.uk �
www.skz.de �
www.oxinst.com �
www.brabender.com
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: OXFORD INSTRUMENTS
IMAGE: BRABENDER
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