---
type: "WebPage"
title: "Rubber analysis and elastomers characterization in laboratory"
description: "FILAB supports manufacturers in the elastomer characterization of their materials. From polymer identification to failure analysis, our laboratory carries out analyses using state-of-the-art technical resources to ensure the reliability and safety of your rubber components. Are you looking for an..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-elastomer-rubber/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_612651e88c48a", "Thomas GAUTIER"]
timestamp: "2026-05-26T07:57:32Z"
published: "2021-08-25T14:21:28Z"
language: "en"
author: "bwa"
---

# Rubber analysis and elastomers characterization in laboratory

**FILAB** supports manufacturers in the **elastomer characterization** of their materials. From polymer identification to failure analysis, our laboratory carries out analyses using state-of-the-art technical resources to ensure the reliability and safety of your rubber components.

## Are you looking for an elastomer and rubber testing laboratory

Your needs: to validate the quality and performance of your elastomer materials as part of the design or development of your products.

### What is a rubber?

A rubber is an elastic polymeric material, either natural or synthetic, that can undergo large deformations and return to its original shape. 

Natural rubber is derived from latex harvested from hevea trees, while synthetic rubbers such as styrene-butadiene (SBR), nitrile (NBR) and ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM) are produced by petrochemical processes. 

Rubbers are formulated with fillers, plasticizers, antioxidants and vulcanizing agents to achieve specific mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance profiles. Because these formulations directly determine performance in tires, seals, hoses and medical devices, every batch must be verified by a qualified rubber laboratory before release to production.

### What is an elastomer?

An elastomer, more commonly known as gum or rubber, is a [polymer](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory.md) with elastic properties that allow it to withstand multiple deformation actions before breaking. It is generally flexible, lightweight, and resistant to abrasion and various chemicals. An elastomer can be natural, synthetic, or derived from petrochemicals.

  elastomers
## Elastomer analysis

 Characterizing elastomers in an elastomer testing laboratory can serve several purposes:
Identify the composition of an elastomer or a product containing one

Verify the conformity of the finished product

Characterize a failure in the elastomer

Improve cross-linking processes

The support and [polymer expertise](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-polymer-characterization.md) of a specialist testing laboratory ensure reliable results and guidance in choosing your elastomer, gum, or rubber materials.

## Rubber analysis and elastomer expertise at FILAB

### Why choose FILAB for your polymer expertise?

By combining the analysis tools and methods suited to the analysis and characterization of elastomers, the FILAB laboratory supports manufacturers in optimizing the manufacturing process, in researching substitute materials, and in solving failure issues caused by contamination.

To address these issues related to your elastomer and rubber materials, the FILAB laboratory offers a wide range of analytical techniques:

### Our Technical Capabilities

**The**[**IRTF**](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/our-polymer-testing-equipment/) to determine the composition of the elastomer

**The**[**GCMS**](https://filab.fr/nos-moyens-techniques/laboratoire-analyses-chromatographie-gazeuse/analyse-tdu-gc-ms/) and Py-GCMS to quantify additives, residual monomers, Bisphenol A, phthalates…

**The**[**MEB\/EDX**](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md) to characterize a particle or a deposit

The [TOF-SIMS analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-tof-sims.md): to obtain elemental and molecular information on species present at the extreme surface of solid-state samples.

**The [DSC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-dsc-calorimetric.md)** (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) to measure melting and degradation temperatures, crystallinity rate…

**The**[**ICP**](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes.md) to identify mineral fillers (talc, silica fiber,…)

La [tomographie-X](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tomography-analysis-laboratory/surface-analysis-x-ray-tomography.md) : pour contrôler la conformité et les performances de vos matériaux

## Chemical composition analysis of your elastomers

Quantification of risky chemical substances: [additives](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/polymer-additives.md), [antioxidants](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-antioxidant-assitives.md), [bisphenol A](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-determination-contents-bisphenol-a.md), [heavy metals](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-analysis-heavy-metal.md), [residual solvents](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/voc-analysis-laboratory.md), [nitrosamines](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-analysis-nitrosamines.md), [plasticizers](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/plasticizer-migration-study.md), [phthalates](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/analysis-and-determination-of-phthalates-in-the-laboratory.md) ...

Determination of [molecular weight](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/analysis-and-measurement-of-molecular-weight-in-the-laboratory.md) by [GPC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gpc-sec.md)

[Polymer de-formulation](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/deformulation-polymers-laboratory.md) by [GC/MS](https://filab.fr/nos-moyens-techniques/laboratoire-analyses-chromatographie-gazeuse/analyse-tdu-gc-ms/), [Py-GC/MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources.md), [LC-MS/MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-uplc/laboratory-analysis-hplc-lcms.md), [CI](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-ion-chromatography.md)..

Soxhlet extraction

## Problem Solving

Pollution Identification (Particle Inclusion)

[Failure Analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/laboratory-analysis-ruptures.md) or [Cracks](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/fissure-analysis-laboratory.md)

Support in Performance Optimization

Characterization of Surface Defects and [Adhesion Issues](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/laboratory-adhesion-analysis.md)

[Compatibility Study](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/health-pharmaceutical-cosmetics/stability-testing-medications-and-active-ingredients.md) between Materials and Fluids

## Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization

[Polymer Characterization](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing.md) by [FTIR](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-ftir-spectroscopy.md), [DSC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-dsc-calorimetric.md), [TGA, TGA-FTIR](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tga-tga-ftir-and-tga-ms-analysis-at-filab-laboratory.md), [GPC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gpc-sec.md), NMR, [SEM](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md)…

Study of [Crystalline Phases](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/filab-quantifies-polymer-crystallinity-by-dsc.md)[by DSC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-dsc-calorimetric.md)

Determination of Polydispersity

Study of [Morphology](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-analysis-morphology.md) (Porosity)

[Study of Thermal Degradation](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-for-the-analysis-of-thermal-degradation-of-polymeric-materials.md)

Study of [Thermal Properties](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-thermal-degradation-polymers.md) by [DSC Analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-dsc-calorimetric.md), [TGA, TGA-FTIR](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tga-tga-ftir-and-tga-ms-analysis-at-filab-laboratory.md)

[Analysis of Powders](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-analysis-powder-characterization.md) or Plastic Pellets

[Determination of Cross-Linking Rate](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/analyse/analyse-plasturgie-analyse-polymeres/laboratoire-mesure-taux-reticulation/)

[Calorimetric Analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-dsc-calorimetric.md)

Surface Analysis

### Which industrial sectors use elastomers?

Elastomers (gums or rubber) play a central role in the tire industry; in fact, more than half of global production is destined for this sector. They are also used in other industrial fields in the form of seals, elastic bonds, or hoses, and are often combined with other materials such as textiles, metals, or plastics.

### Why analyze an elastomer, gum, or rubber?

Expertise in polymer and elastomer materials is an essential step in the production process: [chemical analyses](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory.md) and [characterization](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing.md) make it possible to control the [product lifecycle](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/support-product-development/support-in-analysing-a-products-life-cycle-in-accordance-with-iso-14040-and-iso-14044.md), and reduce the risk of potential failures.

## Application cases

 Case: seal failure in a corrosive environment
**Issue:** premature degradation of industrial sealing gaskets leading to critical leaks. Suspected non-compliance of the supplied raw material.

**Analytical solution:** performance of an **elastomer characterization** by TGA and FTIR. The results revealed a formulation error (insufficient carbon black content) and the use of a polymer that did not comply with the specifications, making it possible to resolve the supplier dispute.

 Case: medical device compliance
**Issue:** risk of toxicity due to the release of chemical substances from an innovative catheter. Need to ensure biocompatibility without altering the material's flexibility.

**Analytical solution:** an **elastomer characterization** protocol targeting extractables (GC-MS). Identification of residual vulcanization agents made it possible to optimize the cross-linking process, thereby ensuring patient safety and regulatory approval of the product.

## Our FAQ

 Why use a laboratory for elastomer characterization?
**Elastomer characterization** is essential to validate a material's compliance with strict technical requirements. FILAB, a specialized laboratory, uses advanced techniques (FTIR, TGA, DSC) to identify the chemical nature of the polymer, its fillers, and its additives.

 What techniques are used for a complete elastomer analysis?
For a comprehensive **elastomer analysis**, we combine several methods: infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for identification, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to quantify composition (polymer, carbon black, ash), and mechanical tests (hardness, tensile strength, compression set) to assess physical performance.

 How do you choose your elastomer characterization laboratory?
Choosing an **elastomer characterization laboratory** should be based on its analytical equipment, accreditation (such as ISO 17025), and ability to interpret results. FILAB stands out for its tailor-made approach and consulting support in materials engineering.

 What types of defects can an elastomer analysis laboratory identify?
An **elastomer analysis laboratory** is often called upon to solve production or in-service failure issues: premature breakage, bubbles, adhesion problems, thermal or chemical degradation, or the appearance of efflorescence (additive blooming).

 Do you perform elastomer analysis for medical contact?
Yes, we support manufacturers in verifying regulatory compliance (FDA, REACH, MDR medical devices). Our expertise makes it possible to check for the absence of restricted substances and validate positive lists of components used in the formulation of your rubbers.

 How can I get a quote for an elastomer analysis?
To receive a personalized quote, simply contact us via our online form or by phone, specifying the nature of your sample and the objectives of the study (quality control, failure analysis, R&D). Our engineers will get back to you within 24 to 48 hours to refine your technical needs and send you a tailored commercial proposal.

 What is the typical turnaround time for analyses?
Lead times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the investigation project.
FILAB is nevertheless committed to providing fast turnaround times adapted to your constraints and industrial urgencies.

 Can elastomer characterization help optimize a formulation?
Yes, elastomer characterization is a key tool for optimizing rubber formulations. By analyzing the polymer matrix, fillers, plasticizers, and additives, FILAB helps manufacturers improve mechanical performance, chemical resistance, durability, and processability while ensuring compliance with technical specifications.

 Which industries use elastomer analysis services?
Elastomer analysis services are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, medical device, energy, cosmetics, electronics, and industrial manufacturing sectors. These industries require reliable elastomer materials capable of meeting strict mechanical, thermal, and chemical performance requirements.

 Can you compare two elastomer materials?
Yes, FILAB performs comparative analyses between elastomer materials to identify differences in formulation, filler content, additives, or thermal and mechanical behavior. These studies are useful for supplier qualification, benchmarking, reverse engineering, or troubleshooting investigations.

 Why perform thermal analysis on elastomers?
Thermal analysis techniques such as DSC and TGA help evaluate the thermal stability and behavior of elastomers under temperature variations. These methods are used to determine degradation temperatures, glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallinity, and filler content in rubber materials.

 Do you support R&D projects involving elastomer materials?
Yes, FILAB supports manufacturers throughout their R&D projects by providing analytical expertise for formulation development, material validation, performance testing, and failure investigations. Our tailor-made analytical approach helps secure innovation and industrialization processes.

 What types of elastomer samples can be analyzed?
Our laboratory analyzes a wide range of elastomer products and raw materials, including seals, gaskets, hoses, membranes, O-rings, medical components, industrial parts, powders, pellets, and aged or damaged rubber materials.

 Can elastomer analysis identify contamination issues?
Yes, elastomer analysis can detect contamination caused by foreign particles, incompatible substances, process residues, or chemical degradation. FILAB uses advanced analytical techniques such as SEM-EDX, FTIR, and GC-MS to identify contamination sources and help prevent recurring failures.

 Do you provide customized elastomer testing protocols?
Absolutely. FILAB develops tailor-made testing protocols adapted to your industrial requirements, regulatory constraints, and technical objectives. Our engineers define the most suitable analytical strategy depending on your application and performance expectations.