TESTING | MATERIALS
Analysing the composition and properties of polymers, additives, and
compounds is crucial for product development and quality control. Jennifer Markarian finds that test methods are evolving for compostable compounds
Advances in materials analysis technology
Materials testing is essential for both developing and ensuring production quality of plastics compounds. Analytical equipment companies continue to develop user-friendly and automated features that bring the power of high-tech analysis to a broader user group, providing new tools for analysing polymers, additives and contaminants. Thermal analysis techniques – including differen- tial scanning calorimetery (DSC), simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) – are widely used in polymer industries to identify polymers, quantify impurities, evaluate crystallinity, measure mechanical properties, and troubleshoot production issues, said Terri Chen, Director of Business Development at Cannon Instrument. “However, certain thermal measurement results can be difficult to under- stand,” said Chen. “In these cases, great strides are gained by adding a real-time image or video capability, leading to a better understanding of the analytical results. In recent
www.compoundingworld.com
years, more researchers have moved toward combining a visual/imaging capability with their analytical tools.” Last year, Cannon began partnering with Hitachi
High-Tech, and the companies are collaborating to grow Hitachi’s thermal analysis business in the US, said Chen. The Hitachi DSC-RealView system offers real-time visual capabilities integrated with thermal analysis equipment (DSC, STA and DMA). “Being able to visualise the changes of the sample during a thermal measurement can elucidate unexpected testing results by supplying supplemental information regarding the sample under test,” ex- plained Chen. “For example, in a DSC measurement, the Hitachi DSC-RealView system can capture images or record videos during the measure-
IMAGE: HITACHI
ment, which allows identifying and interpreting any fake transi- tions. When testing crystalline polymers with the Hitachi DSC, the real-time observation allows re- searchers to better understand
March 2025 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 37
Main image: Sample tray in Mettler Toledo’s new DSC 5+ test instrument with MultiStar sensor
technology
Left: Hitachi NEXTA DSC with polarised microscope
IMAGE: METTLER TOLEDO
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
