Materials / Contaminant Identification

We apply multiple techniques, such as spectroscopy, chromatography and microscopy to examine the components of plastic and polymer products.

Our materials identification services to the plastics industry include:

Contaminant identification
Additive analysis
Quality issues
Base polymer identification
End group analysis
Molecular weight and distribution
Copolymer backbone chemistry

Plastic and polymer contamination analysis usually requires at least two analytical techniques. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is an excellent technique to identify organic materials. By comparing the FTIR spectrum to a library database, it is possible to identify organic materials, at least as to class of material.

Similarly, Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM/EDXA) can be used to identify inorganic materials. SEM/EDXA provides an elemental analysis on the material or contaminant and indicates which elements are present.

CAS-MI Laboratories has special expertise in the identification and quantitation of resins, fillers and additives.