Laboratory analysis of thermoplastic polymers
Would you like to carry out a biopolymer analysis?
Biopolymers in a nutshell
Biopolymers are polymers derived from biomass: plants, animals, algae, fungi… These polymers have the advantage of coming from renewable resources and are potentially biodegradable.
They offer an alternative to chemically synthesized polymers derived from fossil resources and are of particular interest to manufacturers. Biopolymer analysis concerns many industries
Why carry out a biopolymer analysis?
Determining the properties of biopolymers is essential for issues related to the production process or finished product inspection. A complete understanding of your biopolymers’ properties is also necessary to anticipate their evolution in their use environment.
Indeed, the degree of polymerization (proportional to the molar mass) of a biopolymer determines its mechanical and thermal properties.
In addition, crystallinity, cross-linking and the glass transition and melting temperatures also contribute to determining the properties of a biopolymer.
Therefore, the expertise of a laboratory qualified in biopolymer analysis is necessary to determine all of these properties.
The FILAB laboratory supports you with your biopolymer analysis needs
Through our three levels of services: analysis, expertise and R&D support, FILAB supports companies across all sectors in biopolymer analysis. To do this, FILAB provides its clients with the know-how and experience of its team, as well as a analytical facility of 5,200 m² equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
OUR TECHNICAL RESOURCES
Study of thermal properties by DSC, TGA, TGA-FTIR
Determination of the crosslinking rate by DSC
Determination of molecular weight and polydispersity by GPC
Study of glycosylation modifications by LC-Orbitrap
FAQ
The laboratory must have suitable techniques (GPC for molecular weights, DSC/TGA for thermal properties, IR/NMR spectroscopy for chemical structure, microscopy, etc.), as well as specific experience with biomass-based or biodegradable materials.
Accreditation guarantees technical competence, result traceability, and method validity. It provides assurance that the results can be recognized in an industrial or regulatory context.
Biopolymers are macromolecules made up of monomers of biological origin, derived from renewable resources (plant, animal, or microbial). They may be natural (cellulose, chitin) or synthesized from biomonomers (PLA, PHA).
No. Polymers may be petrochemical-based or bio-based. Only those whose monomers come from biomass or that are biodegradable are considered biopolymers.
Four main categories are generally distinguished:
- Thermoplastics : soften when heated (PE, PP).
- Thermosets : irreversibly cross-linked (epoxies, phenolics).
- Elastomers : flexible and reversible structures (rubbers).
- Biopolymers : polymers of biological origin, either natural or biosynthesized.
Polymers are classified according to their origin:
- Natural (cellulose, starch, proteins)
- Synthetic (PE, PS, PVC)
- Semi-synthetic (modified derivatives of natural polymers, such as cellulose acetate)
