Polymer characterization laboratory
As an independent polymer characterization laboratory, FILAB provides expert polymer characterization to evaluate the chemical composition, molecular structure, morphology, and formulation of polymers, composites, resins, and finished components.
By identifying additives, impurities, and material variations, FILAB helps manufacturers compare raw materials, optimize manufacturing processes, and analyze failures across R&D and quality control projects
Polymer characterization for material understanding
Polymer characterization entails the analytical elucidation of macromolecular architecture, chemical constitution, and phase morphology to establish quantitative structure-property-processing relationships.
This work can clarify the identity of an unknown material, compare grades or formulations, document a material change, examine a component after use, or support the selection of a suitable polymer for a defined application.
What polymer characterization can reveal
A characterization programme can provide information on:
- polymer type and molecular composition;
- additives, plasticisers, fillers and reinforcements;
- molecular weight and distribution;
- crystalline and amorphous phases;
- morphology, porosity and surface features;
- thermal transitions and decomposition behaviour;
- rheological behaviour and viscosity-related properties;
- differences between reference and comparison materials.
The most relevant techniques depend on the sample, its form and the technical question. A polymer film, coating, adhesive, seal or finished component may require a different approach.
Composition and molecular structure
FILAB analyzes polymer matrices, additives, and residual substances using IR spectroscopy, chromatography, and pyrolysis. This identifies complex formulations, detects subtle material variations, and enables objective grade comparisons.
Morphology, phases and surface features
Using microscopy, elemental mapping, XRD, and thermal techniques, this analysis evaluates internal dispersion, crystallinity, and surface condition to connect visible differences with underlying material structure.
Thermal and rheological characterization
Thermal methods track phase transitions, mass change, and decomposition, while rheology measures flow and deformation behavior. Together, they assess thermal stability, formulation consistency, and processing performance for polymers, resins, and coatings.
A tailored characterization programme
A useful characterization programme begins with a precise technical question. FILAB considers the material, sample format, known history and intended use before selecting the most suitable techniques.
The final report brings the findings together in a clear interpretation. It can help R&D, quality and industrial teams make decisions based on the material itself rather than on assumptions.
Polymer materials handled by FILAB
FILAB characterizes a wide range of polymer materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, PVC, polyamides, polyurethanes, fluoropolymers, elastomers, rubbers, resins, composites, paints, varnishes, coatings, adhesives and polymer packaging materials.
Why choose FILAB for polymer characterization?
FILAB combines polymer expertise with complementary characterization techniques in one laboratory.
Our specialists can connect composition, molecular structure, morphology, thermal behaviour and rheological properties to build a coherent view of a material.
Whether the question concerns a raw material, a formulation, a finished component or a material variation, we help define the right characterization programme and explain the results in practical terms.
Do you need polymer characterization for a material, formulation or component? Contact FILAB with your sample, your technical question and the information you need to obtain.
FILAB supports you in the expertise of your polymer materials
Compliance and standards for polymer materials
In France, the use of polymers in materials, particularly those in contact with food or used in the medical field, is regulated by several standards and regulations designed to ensure product safety and compliance. Contact FILAB, a polymer expert laboratory, to learn more.
For example, in the food industry, polymers intended for packaging must comply with ANSES guidelines for food contact. In the automotive industry, polymers are evaluated according to ISO standards for their strength and performance.
Here are other ISO standards related to polymer materials:
ISO 527 for tensile tests on plastics
ISO 10993 for the identification and quantification of degradation products of polymer components in medical devices
NF T 54-501: Specific French standard for assessing the biodegradability of plastics in a controlled composting environment, for biodegradable polymers used in packaging, for example
ISO 10640 to assess accelerated ageing
REACH : Although REACH is a European regulation, it is fully applicable in France and imposes strict obligations to ensure the safety of chemical substances, including polymers
Research & Development applied to polymers
Our laboratory, at the forefront of research and development for polymer materials, offers innovative services tailored to various industries.
Thanks to our advanced expertise and technical resources, we are able to conduct research on synthesis, polymer identification, polymer characterization, and polymer improvement, enabling industries to optimize their production processes and innovate in their choice of materials.
Thus, we help our industrial partners develop stronger, more sustainable, and more environmentally friendly polymers, meeting specific needs such as improved thermal resistance, flexibility, and biocompatibility.
Why use a laboratory with polymer expertise?
Laboratory testing of polymers helps ensure the quality and performance of the materials used.
Polymer materials are often subjected to a variety of stresses throughout their life cycle, ranging from extreme thermal variations to chemical exposure to mechanical stress.
These factors can lead to various types of polymer-specific failures, such as UV degradation, stress cracking, and accelerated aging. These issues can not only affect the appearance of polymers but also compromise their structural and functional integrity, leading to safety risks.
Therefore, implementing rigorous quality control and conducting laboratory polymer analyses are essential to ensure the reliability and durability of these materials.
The composition of polymers
Polymer composition is a fundamental parameter examined during polymer characterization. It largely determines their functional properties, performance, and ability to meet the requirements of various industrial environments. A polymer is made up of long chains of repeating molecules, but it can also contain additives, fillers, or plasticizers, which influence its mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.
At FILAB, we offer in-depth analyses to determine the exact composition of your polymers. Using techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/IRTF), chromatography (GC-MS, HPLC), and thermogravimetry (TGA), we identify the monomers, additives, and impurities present, ensuring that your materials meet the quality and performance standards required by your industry. View all the polymer analysis offered by our polymer expertise laboratory.
FAQ
Polymer characterization identifies and describes the composition, structure, morphology and properties of a polymer material. It helps explain what the material contains and how it is organised.
FILAB can combine techniques such as FTIR, chromatography, pyrolysis coupled with chromatography, GPC, DSC, TGA, microscopy, elemental mapping, X-ray diffraction and rheology, according to the material and the question.
Yes. Characterization can compare composition, additives, molecular structure, morphology, thermal behaviour and rheological properties between two grades, batches, formulations or components.
FILAB can work with polymer pellets, powders, films, sheets, fibres, coatings, adhesives, resins, composites, seals and finished components.
Share the material reference, sample history, application, known changes and the question to be addressed. This helps FILAB select a suitable characterization programme.
To find out more
Here is a table summarising the different types of polymer, their main characteristics and their industrial applications:
| Type of polymer | Characteristics | Industrial applications |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Lightweight, impact-resistant, waterproof | Packaging, film, containers |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Rigidity, fatigue resistance, heat resistance | Automotive, textiles, food packaging |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | Rigidity, chemical resistance, durability | Piping, flooring, cables |
| Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) | Chemical resistance, clarity, heat resistance | Bottles, packaging, textile fibres |
| Polystyrene (PS) | Rigidity, electrical insulation, lightness | Packaging, household appliances, electronic components |
| Polyamides (Nylon) | High mechanical strength, heat resistance, wear resistance | Gears, automotive parts, textiles |
There are different types of polymer.
- Thermoplastic polymers: These polymers can be melted and moulded several times, making them particularly suitable for applications requiring shaping by injection or extrusion. Examples include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- Thermosetting polymers: Once cured, these polymers do not melt under the effect of heat. They are used in applications requiring high stability and highthermal resistance . Examples: epoxy, phenol-formaldehyde (bakelite) and urea-formaldehyde.
- Elastomers : These polymers have the ability to stretch to lengths much greater than their original size and return to their original shape once the stress is removed. Examples include natural rubber, nitrile rubber and silicone.
- Synthetic fibres: These polymers are mainly used in the textile industry, such as in the manufacture of clothing. Examples include nylon, polyester and acrylic.
- Biopolymers: derived from biological sources, these polymers are increasingly popular because of their biodegradability and durability. They play a key role in the development of environmentally-friendly materials. Examples include polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and cellulose.
Each polymer family has unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications, underlining the importance of careful analysis when choosing a material for a given project.
For example, in the automotive industry, where the durability and strength of polymer materials are essential for components such as bumpers, dashboards and interior linings, thermal analyses can be carried out to test the polymer's resistance to high temperatures and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
In the medical industry, where polymers are used to manufacture a variety of devices such as catheters or sterile packaging, biocompatibility testing is essential to ensure that materials do not cause adverse reactions in the human body.
Similarly, in the packaging industry, permeability tests can be carried out to assess a polymer's ability to protect the contents from moisture or gases, particularly for food preservation.
