Identify and characterize the composition of your polymer materials
The chemical composition of a polymer material determines its mechanical, thermal and chemical properties, as well as its ability to meet the regulatory requirements of your industry. Whether you need to inspect a raw material, qualify a product, identify contamination or compare a formulation, precise characterization is essential.
At the FILAB laboratory, we support manufacturers with the analysis of the chemical composition of polymers and their additives. Thanks to a multi-technique approach, our experts identify the constituents of your materials, quantify certain compounds and provide you with an interpretation tailored to your industrial challenge.
Our chemical composition analysis services for polymers and additives
The first step is to identify the type of polymer making up the material.
This identification makes it possible in particular to:
- verify a raw material ;
- confirm a formulation;
- distinguish between several visually similar polymers;
- identify an unknown material.
Additives play an essential role in the material's performance.
Our analysis make it possible to:
- identify their chemical nature;
- detect regulated additives;
- compare several formulations;
- check the compliance of a production run.
Contamination can alter a polymer's properties or lead to non-compliance.
Our experts can look for:
- organic impurities ;
- mineral contaminants;
- manufacturing residues;
- substances resulting from aging;
- degradation products..
As part of an R&D approach, supplier qualification or competitive analysis, the laboratory carries out deformulation studies aimed at identifying the main constituents of a formulation.
These investigations make it possible to compare several materials and identify differences in composition that may explain a particular behavior.
Our technical resources for the chemical composition analysis of polymers and additives
Polymers are rarely made of a single material. Their formulation generally combines a polymer matrix with various additives designed to improve performance or facilitate processing.
Chemical composition analysis makes it possible in particular to:
- identify the nature of an unknown polymer;
- verify the compliance of a raw material or finished product;
- compare several formulations;
- check for the presence of specific additives;
- identify contamination or an unwanted substance;
- support a deformulation or reverse-engineering process;
- investigate the causes of a failure or premature aging;
- identify and quantify additives in polymers
What types of polymers can be analyzed?
The laboratory works on a wide variety of polymer materials, including:
- thermoplastics (PE, PP, PA, PEEK, PET, PVC, ABS, PC...);
- thermosets (epoxy, polyester, polyurethane...);
- elastomers and rubbers ;
- polymer-matrix composites;
- films, coatings and packaging ;
- adhesives, glues and sealants;
- paints, varnishes and resins.
What additives can be identified?
Polymer formulations often contain additives whose nature and concentration directly influence the material's performance.
The laboratory can identify or characterize different types of additives, including:
- plasticizers ;
- antioxidants ;
- UV stabilizers;
- flame retardants;
- lubricants ;
- antistatic agents;
- pigments and colorants ;
- mineral fillers;
- reinforcing fibers;
- coupling agents;
- biocides or preservatives.
Depending on your needs, the analysis can be qualitative, semi-quantitative, or quantitative.
Our FAQ
The analysis makes it possible to identify the nature of the polymer, verify formulation compliance, detect contaminants, or explain a failure.
The laboratory can characterize many additives, such as plasticizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, flame retardants, pigments, mineral fillers, or lubricants.
Identification aims to determine the nature of the polymer matrix, while de-formulation seeks to characterize all the constituents of a formulation, including additives and fillers.
Yes. A comparative analysis makes it possible to identify differences in composition between two materials and assess their impact on the product's properties.
To get a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
Simply send us your requirements (material type, desired analysis, any applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.
Lead times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.
FILAB is nevertheless committed to providing fast turnaround times adapted to your constraints and industrial urgencies.
