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 an elastomer?
An elastomer, more commonly known as gum or rubber, is a polymer 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.
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 and characterization make it possible to control the product lifecycle, and reduce the risk of potential failures.
Elastomer analysis
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 of a specialist testing laboratory ensure reliable results and guidance in choosing your elastomer, gum, or rubber materials.
Our solutions: analysis and characterization of the chemical nature of your elastomer-based products.
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 to determine the composition of the elastomer
The GCMS and Py-GCMS to quantify additives, residual monomers, Bisphenol A, phthalates…
The MEB\/EDX to characterize a particle or a deposit
The TOF-SIMS analysis: to obtain elemental and molecular information on species present at the extreme surface of solid-state samples.
The DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) to measure melting and degradation temperatures, crystallinity rate…
The ICP to identify mineral fillers (talc, silica fiber,…)
La tomographie-X : pour contrôler la conformité et les performances de vos matériaux
Chemical composition analysis of your elastomers
Quantification of risky chemical substances: additives, antioxidants, bisphenol A, heavy metals, residual solvents, nitrosamines, plasticizers, phthalates ...
Determination of molecular weight by GPC
Polymer de-formulation by GC/MS, Py-GC/MS, LC-MS/MS, CI..
Soxhlet extraction
Problem Solving
Pollution Identification (Particle Inclusion)
Support in Performance Optimization
Characterization of Surface Defects and Adhesion Issues
Compatibility Study between Materials and Fluids
Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization
Polymer Characterization by FTIR, DSC, TGA, TGA-FTIR, GPC, NMR, SEM…
Study of Crystalline Phases by DSC
Determination of Polydispersity
Study of Morphology (Porosity)
Study of Thermal Properties by DSC Analysis, TGA, TGA-FTIR
Analysis of Powders or Plastic Pellets
Surface Analysis
Application cases
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
