OSE Industries has been supporting its clients for over 10 years in the study and characterization of polymer materials

Characterization of Polymer and Resin Materials

What is a Polymer?

A polymer is a macromolecule composed of many repeating units, called monomers, linked by chemical bonds. Polymers can be natural (e.g., proteins) or synthetic (e.g., plastics).

What are natural polymers?

• Cellulose: Main component of plant cell walls
• Starch: Plant energy reserve, made of glucose
• Proteins: Made of amino acids, such as keratin or collagen
• Nucleic acids: DNA and RNA, polymers of nucleotides
• Natural rubber: Derived from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea), composed of isoprene
• Bio-based polymer materials: such as PLA (polylactic acid)...

What are synthetic polymers?

• Polyethylene: Used in plastic bags and packaging
• Polystyrene: Used in packaging, disposable cups, and insulation
• Polypropylene: Used in packaging and protective materials
• Nylon: Used in textiles and clothing
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Used in pipes, flooring, etc.
• Teflon: Used in non-stick coatings for cookware

These polymers are harvested and/or artificially produced, and have a wide range of industrial applications.

One of the primary applications is in the form of resin, where the polymer is used as a base material for the production of:

• Plastics
• Textiles
• Paper
• Paints/varnishes
• Adhesives

These materials are valued for their thermosetting, mechanical, or resistance properties.

What are the methods for characterizing polymer materials?

What are the elements of polymer material characterization?

The analysis of polymer materials aims to understand their properties, performance, and structures for specific applications. Here are the main needs for polymer analysis:

• Chemical characterization: Identifying the composition, monomers, and additives present using techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (IR), chromatography, and mass spectrometry.

• Thermal analysis: Measuring thermal properties such as melting point, glass transition temperature, and thermal decomposition (using DSC, TGA).

• Mechanical analysis: Testing strength, stiffness, elasticity, and toughness with tensile, compression, and bending tests.

• Morphological characterization: Studying the microscopic structure (crystallinity, amorphous phase) with electron microscopy (SEM) or X-ray diffraction.

• Behavior in humidity and solvents: Evaluating permeability and resistance to environmental conditions.

• Aging analysis: Studying degradation under conditions of heat, UV light exposure, or chemical agents, including material leachates.

• Surface analysis: Characterizing surface topography and composition with techniques such as AFM (atomic force microscopy) or XPS spectroscopy.

• Compliance with REACH regulations: Monitoring formulation and use in compliance with the REACH regulation.

These analyses are essential for developing polymer materials suitable for specific applications (industries, biomaterials, textiles, etc.).

What are the physico-chemical analysis techniques for polymer materials?

From raw materials to finished products, here are the main techniques that OSE Services offers:

• Opto-digital microscopy (from x20 to x500)
• Electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) (chemical mapping, measurements, x3000)
• Infrared spectrometry (FTIR): Identifies the main polymers present as well as mineral fillers. This technique is non-destructive.
• Using FTIR, chemical mapping allows visualization of the sample's homogeneity.
• Pyrolysis-gas chromatography (Py-GC/MS): Fine characterization of the polymer, behavioral study.
• Gas chromatography (HS-GC/MS): Characterizes excipients and additives in the formulation.

Concern about heavy metal presence? OSE Services can offer on-site and laboratory verification using portable instruments like X-ray Fluorescence (XRF).

Structural study, part defects? OSE Services can study your parts using 3D tomographic methods (without cutting the part)