Lab-as-a-Service: Innovative Bioplastics Research & Development

Ta Instruments Discovery Thermogravimetric Analyzer TGA 55

Measures weight change (loss or gain) and the rate of weight change as a function of temperature, time, and atmosphere (Nitrogen or Oxygen)

ASTM E1131

Quantitative/Destructive

· Thermal degradation of Polymers
· Percentage of mass loss at different temperatures, applicable to identify polymer blends percentages
· Percentage of fillers
· Reactivity of polymer materials based on its temperature and atmosphere

Ta Instruments Discovery Differential Scanning Calorimeter DSC 250

Differential scanning calorimetry is an analytical technique used to measure the amount of heat released or absorbed by a sample during heating or cooling over a range of temperature.

ASTM D3418

Quantitative/Destructive

·       Melting point of polymers
·       Glass transitions
·       crystallization of polymers
·       phase changes
·       product stability
·       heat flow

Ta Instruments Discovery Rheometer HR 20

Rheology is the study of flow and deformation of materials. Deformation and flow are referred to as strain or strain rate, respectively, and indicate the distance over which a body moves under the influence of an external force, or stress. For this reason, rheology is also considered to be the study of stress-strain relationships in materials.

ASTM D4440

Quantitative/Destructive

·       Complex Viscosity
·       Shear rate
·       Angular frequency
·       Storage modulus
·       Loss modulus

Ta Instruments Discovery Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer DMA 850

It is used to evaluate the mechanical properties of materials, often as a function of environmental factors such as temperature, time, or humidity.

ASTM D5023

Quantitative/Destructive

·       Glass transition temperatures (Tg)
·       Softening Point
·       Filler effects in composites
·       Stiffness
·       Youngs’s Modulus
·       Strain
·       Stress

Ta Instruments Discovery Thermomechanical Analyzer TMA 450

Measures changes in the dimensions of a sample as a function of time, temperature, and force in a controlled atmosphere.

ASTM E831

Quantitative/Destructive

·       Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE)
·       Softening, and melting behavior

Thermo Scientific FTIR Spectrometer Nicole iS20

Obtains an infrared absorption or emission spectrum of a solid or liquid organic compounds.

Beyond Plastic Standard

Qualitative/Non Destructive

·       Detection of unknown contaminants
·       Mixtures analysis
·       Functional groups detection
·       Intramolecular moisture detection

Dynisco LMI 5500 Melt Flow Indexer

It is used to measure the melt flow index MFR in g/10min and the volume flow index MVR in cm³/10min of pellets, powder or fine granules. The Melt Flow Index Testers are designed to measurements according to EN ISO 1133 and ASTM D1238.

ASTM D1238

Quantitative/Destructive

·       Melt Flow Index
·       Volume Flow Index
·       Qualitative information about Molecular weight of Polymers
·       Density

Universal / Tensile Testing Machine Shimadzu’s AGS-X 

It is used to test the tensile strength and compressive strength of materials.

ASTM D638

Quantitative/Destructive

·       Elongation %
·       Max Brake Force
·       Youngs Modulus
·       Yield Point
·       Elastic Deformation
·       Max Force

QUV/SE Accelerated Weathering Tester

Reproduces the damage caused by sunlight, rain and dew. In a few days or weeks, the QUV UV tester can reproduce the damage that occurs over months or years outdoors. To simulate outdoor weathering, the QUV accelerated tester exposes materials to alternating cycles of UV light and moisture at controlled, elevated temperatures. It simulates the effects of natural sunlight and artificial irradiance using special fluorescent UV lamps in the UVA, UVB, and UVC portions of the spectrum. It simulates dew and rain with condensing humidity and/or water spray. 

ASTM G154

Quantitative and Qualitative/Destructive

·       Outdoors Shelf Life
·       Stability Test
·       Material Degradation based on mechanical test
·       Color changes

Konica Minolta Spectrophotometer CM-5

Utilizes the visible color spectrum to depict color on any surface. It does this by measuring reflected and transmitted light and then develops a reflectance curve to describe the color of that surface. "Spectros", as the industry fondly calls them, can also use multiple illuminants, or lighting environments, to measure colors. Spectrophotometers can have varying geometries or measurement abilities to suit different color measurement scenarios.

Beyond Plastic Standard

Quantitative and Qualitative/Non-Destructive

·       Color change
·       Delta E
·       Color match for QC

Waters Agilent 8890 GC System - Xevo TQ-GC

Measures the amount of acetaldhyde in preforms, bottles, and resins

Beyond Plastic Standard

Quantitative and Qualitative/Destructive

·       Parts Per Million (ppm) of acetaldhyde

OHAUS pH Meter

pH meter, electric device used to measure hydrogen-ion activity (acidity or alkalinity) in solution. 

Beyond Plastic Standard

Quantitative and Qualitative/Non-Destructive

·       pH