Thermal characterization with DSC

The oxidation induction time (OIT) is a measure of a material's resistance to thermo-oxidative degradation. OIT testing is performed according to the ISO 11357-1 standard using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). In the test, the sample is heated under a nitrogen atmosphere to the desired temperature, typically 100 °C to 200 °C. Oxygen is then introduced while the temperature is kept constant isothermally. The time until the material begins to degrade is recorded, and this is called the oxidation induction time. Testing is often used to assess the performance of antioxidants added to polymeric materials.

Measurement of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of plastic materials according to the ISO 22007-2 standard. Specific heat capacity per unit volume can be determined simultaneously for an extra charge. The method is suitable for materials with thermal conductivity from 0.01 to 500 W/mK and thermal diffusivity from 5×10−7 to 1×10−4 m2s−1. Thermal conductivity can be measured in a specific direction, for example, in-plane (x,y) or thickness direction (z). Testing can be performed at room temperature or in a climate chamber (temperatures from -40 °C to 300°C). Additional preparation cost applies to climate chamber testing. Please specify the desired testing procedure when requesting an offer.

Hot-stage microscopy (HSM) analysis enables the direct visualization of materials under controlled temperature conditions. Capabilities include: Examining compound morphology and particle characteristics., Observing solid-solid transformations, melting/liquefaction, solidification, sublimation, and evaporation., Monitoring how different compounds interact, dissolve, or react with each other., Tracking crystal growth and growth rates., Utilizing the Kofler mixed fusion method for salt/co-crystal screening., Observing oxidation and other chemical reactions as they occur under heat.. The results will include microscope pictures and video showing the transitions during heating. Measurement specifications: Temperature range: 25 °C to 375 °C, Humidity control: 5–90% RH. Instrument details: The instrument set-up comprises a heating stage (hot stage) with a sample holder, coupled with a polarized-light microscope and a system that allows temperature measurements and video/picture recording.

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is a mechanical testing method used to characterize material properties as a function of temperature, time, frequency, stress, and atmosphere, or a combination of these parameters. DMA measures parameters for stiffness and damping. These are reported as moduli (stiffness) and loss tangent (damping). The moduli can be further divided into the storage modulus (E’) and loss modulus (E’’), which are the elastic and viscous components of the material, respectively. The ratio of loss modulus to storage modulus is a measure of the material's damping capacity. DMA can be used to study the following properties: Viscoelastic properties (E', E'', tan(δ)), Glass transition temperature (Tg), Secondary transitions (β & γ), Crystallization, Melting, Curing kinetics, Damping, Creep and stress relaxation, Mechanical properties (especially useful for small/complex samples), Long-term behaviour with Time-Temperature Superposition. The most common deformation modes are tensile, bending (3-point and cantilever), compression, and shear. The chosen deformation mode, conditions, and material properties selected for study will determine the difficulty and cost of the analysis.

X-Ray Reflectometry (XRR) analysis is used to measure the density (g/cm3), thickness (nm), and roughness (nm) of thin films. The method is applicable to the characterization of single- or multilayered thin films, as it provides information on the thickness and density of individual layers of the sample material as well as the roughness of the interphases. Greatest accuracy for XRR thickness measurements is generally achieved for samples containing 1-150 nm thick surface layers with under 5 nm RMS roughness. Thicker films and coatings with rougher surfaces can also be characterized, but the accuracy of thickness determination decreases as the thickness and roughness of the film or film stack increase. >150 mm wafers are typically cut to fit the sample holder. Please let us know if you need testing for larger wafers that cannot be cut into pieces. The available temperature range for XRR measurements is 25-1100 °C, and crystallinity can be studied as a function of temperature. The measurements can be performed under a normal atmosphere, inert gas, or vacuum. Measurements are typically performed using one of the following instruments: Rigaku SmartLab, Panalytical X'Pert Pro MRD, Bruker D8 Discover. Please let us know if you have a preference for a specific instrument.

A dilatometer is used to determine the linear thermal expansion of a material as a function of temperature. The temperature range of the measurement is generally between 25 °C and 1,600 °C. There is also an option to perform the test in a cryogenic atmosphere, which ranges from -175 °C to 300 °C. The typical heating rate is 3 °C/min. As a result of the measurement, you will get the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and the absolute change in sample length, both as a function of temperature. The testing can be performed in various atmospheres, including air, argon, CO₂, N₂, and O₂. Please contact us to get a quote. The price will depend on the testing conditions, so please specify them as precisely as possible.

Determination of microplastics in wastewater using FTIR microspectroscopy. The results of the analysis will specify different types of polymers by size, for example, 10–50 µm, 50–100 µm, 100–500 µm, and >500 µm. This analysis is suitable for natural waters and typical wastewater samples. Please note that both of these matrices need digestion sample preparation due to the possible solid particles in the samples. For special water matrices (process water, industrial water, etc.), please contact the method expert before ordering.

This test is designed to measure the oxygen transmission rate of finished packages, including cups, bottles, trays, and containers. Two replica measurements are included in the displayed price. Temperature can be adjusted from 15 to 55 °C, and relative humidity can be either 0% or between 5 and 90% RH. This test is not suitable for films. Please see the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of films and sheeting if you need testing for film samples. Please specify the sample dimensions and testing conditions upon ordering.

Phthalates are a group of chemicals widely used as plasticizers, which make plastics more flexible and durable. They have also been used as additives in products such as cosmetics and personal care items. Several phthalates have been identified as endocrine-disrupting agents or as chemicals toxic to reproduction. Exposure to phthalates can occur through: Oral exposure Food: Exposure occurs via migration from food packaging., Children's toys: Children often put toys in their mouths.., Inhalation: Breathing in dust from vinyl flooring or fragrances (like perfumes) can cause exposure to phthalates via inhalation., Skin contact: Phthalates present in cosmetics, lotions, and soaps can be absorbed through the skin.. For other listed matrices apart from cosmetics, the analysis package covers the following substances included in the REACH Authorization List: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Diisobutyl phthalate DIBP 84-69-5 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 Products that contain restricted phthalates in concentrations higher than 0.1% may be removed from the market. The analysis package for cosmetic products contains the following phthalates: Substance Abbreviation CAS number Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate DEHP 117-81-7 Benzyl butyl phthalate BBP 85-68-7 Dibutyl phthalate DBP 84-74-2 Diisononyl phthalate DINP 68515-48-0 Di(n-octyl) phthalate DNOP 117-84-0 Diisodecyl phthalate DIDP 26761-40-0 All the above-mentioned substances are prohibited in cosmetic products (Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009).

Analysis for quantifying dioxins and furans (PCDD/F) in various packaging materials (e.g. food and cosmetics packaging) and their raw materials, including plastics, paper, and rubber. Dioxins and furans are a family of chlorine-containing chemicals considered bioaccumulating, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that can be toxic even at low doses. While regulatory limits apply mainly to food and feed, packaging materials can be a source of indirect exposure to dioxins and furans. Recycled materials tend to pose relatively high risks, depending on the quality of the raw material and the effectiveness of the decontamination process. The following substances are included in the analysis: Dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) 2,3,7,8-TCDD. 2,3,7,8-TCDF. 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD. 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF. 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD. 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF. 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD. 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF. 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD. 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF. 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD. 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF. OCDD. 2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF. 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF. 1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF. OCDF. Testing is often performed for the following reasons: Analyzing recycled PE, PP, and LDPE intended for cosmetics packaging according to CosPaTox guidelines., Analyzing paper and board bleached with elementary chlorine according to the requirements of TemaNord 2008:515 guidelines..