search.noResults

search.searching

note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
TECHNOLOGY | MATERIALS TESTING


identification and quantification of residual solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in polymers used in medical devices,” he says. “Another technical area of interest is the identification and quantifica- tion of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food contact materials which could include sub- stances such as impurities, contaminants, reaction and degradation products. These could pose a potential risk to health and, in order to assess the risks, a good understanding of what substances are present is required. This demands sensitive and robust techniques that can provide reliable data in relatively short time periods to facilitate decision making and the design of comprehensive quantifi- cation studies, should the need arise.” Intertek uses an Agilent 7200 GC/Q-TOF (sup-


Above: Intertek uses this Agilent 7200 GC/Q- TOF, supplied by Anatune, for residual solvent analysis at Wilton in the UK


across sectors such as construction, transportation or healthcare,” he says. “Innovators in these sectors were able to develop new products based on new polymeric materials, designed for their new applica- tions. At the same time, regulations and substance restriction rules have evolved to ensure environmen- tal and consumer protection. Therefore, in today’s marketplace, where it is more important than ever to maintain a competitive edge, companies are facing the challenge to match innovation and product performance with regulatory compliance.” Stocks cites an example of such an innovative development - the introduction of nano-fillers to traditional bulk polymers in order to produce novel final properties such as electrical conductivity and fire resistance. “These final properties are highly dependent on how well dispersed and how compatible fillers are with the host matrix,” he says. “There is currently a need for technique develop- ment – in the rheological, mechanical, interfacial tension and microscopy areas – to help a processor understand the effect of processing conditions on the final dispersion of filler and ultimately final polymer properties. Our laboratories are staffed with experts in these areas who have many years of experience in such technique development. They are able to work alongside polymer chemists to help compounders optimise both the polymer recipe and processing conditions required to produce materials with new and unique properties.” Other areas in the plastics compounding sector


where materials testing and analysis is proving to be crucial include analysis of residuals, according to Joe Perkins, Senior Analyst and an expert in gas chromatography at Intertek. “Determination of residual solvents in polymers is necessary across a range of applications, for example, as part of the


72 COMPOUNDING WORLD | September 2017


plied by Anatune) for residual solvent analysis and screening of NIAS. “When used in conjunction with a Multi-Purpose Sampler (MPS), we can automate our sample preparation using both static headspace and thermal desorption facilitating a highly efficient analysis throughput,” Perkins says. “For a long time we had observed that high resolution accurate mass GC-MS has an important part to play in polymer applications and with the rapid evolution of analyti- cal technologies, today’s GC/Q-TOF instruments are dependable, robust and allow for flexibility in method design and application.”


Residual challenge In a recent case, a client required testing for residual dichloromethane on samples of a polymer film. “On the face of it, this would seem a simple task, but the specified detection limits were very low (1 ppb), the test throughput was demanding, and the interfer- ences caused by other low-level components in the sample also added complexity to the problem,” says Perkins. “We required a strategic and smart ap- proach to address these challenges and so, by using a heated agitator with a Multi-Purpose Sampler fitted to the GC/Q-TOF instrument, we were able to double the rate at which we could process samples leading to optimum efficiency for this project. With the development of a robust method, the specified levels were reached comfortably. This meant that reliable and accurate results were achievable and gave our client a depth of understanding about their product and processes, enabling decision making on product quality and performance issues.” Automotive is another sector where residuals


are becoming a key concern. Earlier this month, Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) approved four Intertek laboratories – at Grand Rapids and San Antonio in the US, Geleen in the Netherlands, and Shanghai in China – to undertake VOC testing on


www.compoundingworld.com


PHOTO: INTERTEK


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