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LPD Lab Services is ideally placed to support analysis and measurement of a wide array of plastics, polymers, rubbers, composites and additives.

LPD Lab Services can offer numerous techniques that can identify many issues associated with plastics and polymers.  Including: FTIR,  FTIR Microscopy, SEM/EDX, XPS, SIMS, OCAT/DCAT, GC-MS, DSC, TGA and Pyrolysis GC-MS.

Using these techniques we can investigate many issues, including:

• Surface segregation of plasticisers and low molecular weight species giving weak boundary layers by XPS and FTIR
• Embrittlement of polymers and composite materials by solvent attack
• Microplastics analysis and identification.
• Check correct polymer types used for product by FTIR, Pyrolysis GC-MS, XRF, DSC and SEM fingerprint technique
• Inspection for residual release films generating poor adhesion in laminated materials. 
• Investigations of strongly adhering release film layers by XPS and FTIR.
• Checks for low and high density polyethylene.
• Evaluation of Antimicrobial Coatings and Antimicrobial Polymers.
• Determination of excessive use of mould release agents in injection moulded parts.
• Determination of protective coating types by FTIR Microscopy and pyrolysis GC-MS.
• Analysis of polymers and rubbers, mobile species, plasticisers, stabilisers and low molecular weight species by GC-MS
• Measurement of degradation temperatures of polymers and rubber by DSC, TGA and estimatation of heated product lifetime.
• Environmental Stress Cracking ESC of plastics and coatings.
• Checking for residual stress in plastics from moulding and annealing processes by DSC and refractive index effects.
• Investigation of bubbling and lifting paint coatings with SEM/EDX or FTIR Microscopy.
• Check of surface treatments to promote wetting and strong adhesion.
• Verification fingerprinting of paint top coat and primer coat using filler chemistry and particle sizes and shapes by XRF and SEM / EDX.
• Leaching out of polymer or rubber additives or consumption of stabilisers over product life by solvent extraction FTIR, solvent extraction GC-MS or Pyrolysis GC-MS.
• Investigations into failure of finished polymers and rubbers with mobile species including plasticisers, stabilisers, mould release agents, degradation products and low molecular weight components.
• Measurements of crystallisation and melting temperatures of polymers using DSC.
• DSC determination of ideal manufacturing and moulding temperatures of polymers and rubbers.

If you would like more information please contact us for a friendly helpful discussion.