Laboratory for the analysis of thermal degradation of polymeric materials
As an industrialist you wish to carry out an analysis of thermal degradation of materials...
What is thermal degradation of polymers?
Thermal degradation (or thermolysis) of polymers is the process by which the physical and chemical properties of polymers deteriorate under the effect of heat. It corresponds to the rupture of molecules under the effect of heat.
Why carry out thermal degradation analysis of polymers?
Thermal degradation analysis of polymer materials enables us to determine the stability conditions of chemical compounds, i.e. the conditions under which no thermal degradation occurs, even over long periods of time. This analysis is important for industrial manufacturers of polymer materials, in particular to determine the stability of their materials, their performance and their conditions of use.
What are the degradation mechanisms of polymers?
Thermal degradation of polymeric materials involves several key mechanisms:
Breaking chemical bonds, which reduces molecular weight and can generate free radicals that accelerate polymer degradation
Volatilization of certain components at high temperatures, affecting material properties
Oxidation in the presence of oxygen, which further deteriorates the polymer
Chemical decomposition, which transforms the polymer into monomers
Taken together, these processes contribute to significant changes in the physical and chemical properties of polymers when exposed to high temperatures.
How thermal degradation of polymers occurs
Color change
Loss of flexibility or elasticity
Swelling, cracks or fissures
Reduced transparency
Release of gas or odor
L’analyse de polymère lors d’une de ces manifestations de dégradation est cruciale pour le développement de stratégies de prévention et de stabilisation. Elle permet ainsi d’optimiser la durabilité et la performance des matériaux polymères dans leurs applications respectives.
FILAB laboratory can assist you in your need for thermal degradation analysis of materials
With significant experience in the analysis of thermal degradation of polymeric materials, FILAB laboratory assists manufacturers in the qualification of their products before they are put on the market, through advanced degradation tests and recommendations on the optimization of production processes.
To carry out these studies, FILAB offers the following services to industrialists:
Our services
Study of wear and premature ageing phenomena
Characterization of polymer degradation (swelling, wear, ...)
our resources
Thermogravimetric analysis by ATG, ATG-FTIR
Py-GC/MS analysis of thermal degradation of materials
DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) analysis of thermal degradation of materials
Thermal degradation of polymeric materials is a process whereby polymers undergo chemical and physical deterioration due to exposure to elevated temperatures. This process can occur both during manufacture and when the material is stored or used. This degradation can have adverse effects on the material's properties.
The main polymer thermal degradation reactions are polymer chain breakage, scission, oxidation and thermal decomposition.
The physico-chemical characterization of polymers is an important method for understanding how plastics and similar materials function, and how they can be improved. This technique enables us to determine the properties and composition of polymers, such as their impact resistance, stiffness, melting point or decomposition point. The physico-chemical characterization of polymers is essential for understanding their structure and properties, which is crucial for the development of new polymer materials and for improving the properties of existing polymers.
In summary, the physico-chemical characterization of polymers enables us to:
- Understand the quality and properties of finished products that can be used in a variety of industries
- Understand the mechanical properties, structure, chemical composition and aging conditions of polymers in finished products.
- Identify defects in finished products and problems causing production failures.
Improve your production process and product quality now with polymer characterization.
Many techniques are used to analyze polymer degradation:
- infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),
- fluorescence spectroscopy
X-ray diffraction (XRD), - scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
- differential scanning calorimetry (DSC),
- thermogravimetry (TGA),
- gas chromatography (GC).
