Chemical Testing in Detail

We possess a very well equipped analytical laboratory with FTIR (transmittance and reflectance), TGA, DSC, GC and visible light spectrometry capability. We have refined test methods over the last 10 years to glean the smallest of details from the analysis of competitor compounds. We also have an instrumented optical microscope and an S.E.M (Scanning Electron Microscope) capable of EDX (X-Ray) elemental mapping. Elemental mapping can prove to be invaluable in the analysis of product failures or in the resolution of ingredient dispersion issues.

These highly specialised techniques allow identification of contaminants or the identification of the make up of rubber compounds. The microscopy facility allows the observation of failure surfaces and dispersion of ingredients at magnifications of up 50,000 X.

Follow the link to case study on the use of these techniques to investigate a blister on a part.

Raw Materials Testing

We have the ability to assess the efficacy of compound ingredients against other industry recognised sources. Our analysts are also able to run checks on the purity of many of the common chemicals used in the polymer industry.

ANALYTICAL

Infrared Spectrometer  Reflection/Transmission Perkin Elmer Spectrum One FT-IR

 Infrared Spectrometer  Reflection/Transmission Perkin Elmer Spectrum BX FT-IR

 Gas Chromatograph – Perkin Elmer Autosystem XL

 Gas chromatograph coupled mass spectrometer – Perkin elmer Clarus 560 S

 Pyrojector Furnace

 Thermogravimetric Analyser – Perkin Elmer Pyris 6 TGA

 Differential Scanning Calorimeter – Perkin Elmer DSC 6

 Thin Layer Chromatography

 Scanning Electron Microscope – JSM T100

 Energy Dispersive X-ray Analyser – light element capable

 Splutter Coater -  BioRad SC500

 Optical Microscope plus image analysis – Leica MZ6

 Atmospheric Monitoring

 UltrasonicBath

 Solvent Extraction

 Visible Light Spectroscopy – Camspec M105 spectophotometer

 Precisa 92SM – 202A Balance – capacity 200g

 Sartorius Balance – capacity 2kg

 Triton DMA with Perkin Elmer 8000 Software

 Buchi Vac – V500 Vacuum pump

 Buchi Rotavapor R200 with Buchi Vacuum controller V-800