ASMAC has extensive experience handling cases involving polymeric and gel-form materials. Interestingly, clients bringing in these materials come from diverse sectors, and their requests vary significantly.
Identifying Unknown Gel-Form Materials
In some cases, clients approach us with an unknown gel-form material, asking us to identify its composition. Typically, they have limited information about the sample, so our staff engages with them to gather as much background information as possible. Identifying a completely unknown substance without any prior expectations or predictions is often not straightforward.
We usually begin with an initial chemical analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). However, some materials are not IR-active, and even if the constituents are IR-active, the presence of multiple ingredients can complicate the analysis. Based on the information provided by the client and their specific needs, we may recommend further analysis using advanced chemical techniques to identify possible constituents or conduct matching tests to narrow down potential candidates.
Evaluating Thermal History
Some clients request information about the thermal history of their samples, which is particularly common for evaluating annealing processes or studying the effectiveness of curing conditions in adhesives. Thermal analysis techniques, such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), can reveal this thermal history.
Analyzing Additives or Fillers in Polymers
In other cases, clients want to identify the additives or fillers within a polymer. The challenge here lies in separating the additives from the matrix material. Burning off the matrix may leave behind certain additives, such as oxide powders, but many other additives could be damaged in the process. Therefore, the digestion of the matrix must be carefully studied and tested.
Studying Functional Groups in Polymers
For functional polymeric materials, some clients are interested in studying the functional groups present in the polymer. Depending on the sample size—from trace amounts on a surface to bulk materials—we can recommend appropriate testing methodologies.
Conclusion
Polymer testing is inherently challenging, but ASMAC is well-equipped with a wide range of instruments and extensive experience in handling such requests. This allows us to make sound judgments and provide professional recommendations to our clients, significantly enhancing the likelihood of achieving meaningful results.
