Testing, analysis and characterisation of polymers and polymer-based materials

The following provides a summary of the main properties that can be analysed using equipment within the Polymer Centre:

Chemical, Molecular and Structural Characterisation

Compositional and elemental analysis
Molecular weight and molar mass determination via a wide range of techniques
Crystallinity and crystal structure using x-ray and synchrotron radiation
Investigation of polymer morphology and conformation
Optical and electron microscopy both with a wide range of combined analysis modules
Particle size and zeta-potential analysis

Mechanical and Physical Properties

Tensile, compressive, impact, hardness, scratch and creep properties
Dynamic thermomechanical analysis
Ultrasonic and x-ray flaw detection systems
Wear, friction and lubrication behaviour
Vibration and damping characteristics
Gas permeation and diffusion in polymers
Finite element analysis of materials in engineering service
Adhesion tests

Thermal Behaviour

Melting point, glass transition temperature, thermal conductivity and thermal expansion
Pyrolysis and limiting oxygen index analysis
Differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic thermomechanical analysis available

Chemical Reactivity

Chemical activity with respect to acids, bases, oxidation, and gas adsorption.
Electrochemical analysis
Biocompatability (through full tissue culture suite)
Assessment of degradation responses

Electrical and Optical Properties

Conductivity, semiconductivity, light emitting, electromagnetic and microwave properties
Measurement of luminescence and fluorescence responses
Refractive index, reflection and absorption spectra

Solubility and Solution Properties

Dissolution, phase separation, and liquid crystalline behaviour
Rheology and viscoelasticity measurements
Contact angle and wettability measurements

Surface Characterisation

Assessment of surfaces and surface modification by: x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and chemical force microscopy (CFM).

For more detail on exact equipment capabilities, or to enquire about availability or prices, please contact the Polymer Centre.

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