Chemical Analysis of Plastics

Polymers and plastics in general are an attractive and multifunctional manufacturing raw material, however the physical and chemical composition of rigid or flexible plastics varies enormously, and the selection and quality of incoming plastic raw materials requires careful validation. 

In order to establish whether that plastic component will perform its function satisfactorily, importers or manufacturers of plastic components need to positively identify and verify the chemical components of the plastic in question.

Fabricators and importers from all over Ireland and abroad contact our laboratories for bespoke plastic analysis tasks. Our analytical method to verify and measure the unique chemical components of a clients’ sample material is carried our using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). For this we use our Bruker Lumos FTIR microscope which is fitted with a Bruker ALPHA ll attenuated total reflectance (ATR) attachment.

The polymer materials which we are asked to examine include plastic pipes, medical devices, plastic door skins, window frames and plastic cladding materials used to make clean rooms etc.

The Bruker LUMOS II FTIR microscope excels in the area of polymer and plastic analysis and allows us to examine polymer films in the minutest details. The Bruker ALPHA II is the ideal tool for the analysis of both incoming raw materials, test finished products and investigate coated surfaces.

Both instruments combined give our plastics experts dedicated, up-to-date and ready-to-use methods to identify and characterise polymer materials is outstanding detail. An FTIR spectra is prepared from the test sample, and typically compared against a reference sample or a internal library.

Another area in which we carry out plastic analysis is in the authentication of plastic components. One specific area is that of printer ink cartridge housings. Just like almost ever other day-to-day item, printer ink cartridges and toners are constantly being targeted by counterfeiters. At first glance, these printer ink cartridges appear authentic, however our analysis of the plastic housing and the printer ink, can differentiate the authentic from the counterfeit. Over the years we have worked with all of the major ink cartridge and toner manufacturers.

Manufacturers need to positively verify the quality of both their incoming raw plastic raw materials and their outgoing plastic products. For both the quality control and failure analysis of polymeric materials, our technical experts are on your side.

We can help you answer the important performance questions about your sample materials…….if you have questions about your plastics, we can help you! Contact us today!