Polymer testing and characterization
Would you like to have your polymer materials assessed?
What is a polymer material?
A polymer material is made up of long chains of molecules. Polymers can be natural, such as cellulose or silk, or synthetic, such as polyethylene, PVC or nylon. Polymers can be dispersed or incorporated into different matrices such as metal or ceramic. The nature of the matrix plays a crucial role in the final properties of the polymer material and its performance in various industrial applications.
Polymers are characterised by their flexibility and ability to be moulded into a variety of shapes, giving them a wide range of industrial applications. They are widely used in the packaging industry ( plastic films, bottles, food containers), in the automotive industry (light, strong parts, tyres, coatings, insulation), and in the construction sector (windows, pipes, thermal insulation, floor coverings). They are also essential in the electronics industry for insulation, cable coatings and connectors.
What is polymer characterization?
Polymer characterization involves assessing and understanding their physical, chemical and mechanical properties. This analysis aims to determine the molecular structure, composition, viscosity, strength and other characteristics of polymers.
By using material characterization techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, chromatography, rheology and microscopy, polymer characterization provides a better understanding of polymer behaviour in various environments and conditions.
This information forms the basis for the development of new polymers, the optimisation of polymer performance or manufacturing processes and the quality control of finished products in industries ranging from packaging to electronics and biomedical.
FILAB can help you assess your polymer materials
FILAB's polymer expertise
The laboratory's expertise in the field of polymer materials is based on several fundamental aspects, and an experience spanning more than 15 years in polymer analysis.
The FILAB laboratory's polymer expertise is defined by our ability to analyse, characterise and innovate for industries that use polymers in their products and materials. This involves in-depth mastery of chemical analysis techniques, physical and thermal characterization, and the precise study of polymer behaviour under different conditions.
These skills enable FILAB to determine the chemical composition, ensure compatibility with a specific industrial application, and study polymer failures. As a< laboratory with strong polymer expertise, FILAB has specialised equipment (SEM, FTIR, DSC) for thermal analysis, fractography, spectroscopy, chromatography, among others, to study the structure, properties, and composition of polymers.
Finally, the FILAB laboratory’s certifications and accreditations demonstrate our analytical strength based on precision and rigour.
Our expertise for all types of polymer
Conformity and standards for polymer materials
In France, the use of polymers in materials, particularly those in contact with food or used in the medical field, is regulated by several standards and regulations aimed at ensuring product safety and conformity. Contact the FILAB polymer laboratoryto find out more.
For example, in the food industry, polymers used in packaging must comply with ANSES guidelines for food contact. In the automotive industry, polymers are assessed against ISO standards for strength and performance.
Here are some other ISO standards relating to polymer materials:
ISO 527 for tensile tests on plastics
ISO 10993 for the identification and quantification of degradation products of polymer components in medical devices
NF T 54-501: Specific French standard for assessing the biodegradability of plastics in a controlled composting environment, for biodegradable polymers used in packaging, for example
ISO 10640 to assess accelerated ageing
REACH : Although REACH is a European regulation, it is fully applicable in France and imposes strict obligations to ensure the safety of chemical substances, including polymers
Polymer composition
The composition of polymers is a key element in the performance and use of materials in various industrial sectors. A polymer is made up of long chains of repeating molecules, but it may also contain additives, fillers or plasticisers, which influence its mechanical, thermal and chemical properties.
At FILAB, we offer in-depth analysis to determine the exact composition of your polymers. Using techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), chromatography (GC-MS, HPLC) and thermogravimetry (TGA), we identify the monomers, additives and impurities present, ensuring that your materials meet the quality and performance standards required by your industry. See all the polymer analysis offered by our polymer expertise laboratory.
Polymer classification
Polymers are essential materials in many industries, each with specific properties adapted to different uses. They fall into several categories depending on their chemical structure, thermal behaviour and application.
Type of polymer | Examples | Applications |
Thermoplastic polymers | Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS) | Packaging, automotive components, medical equipment |
Thermosetting polymers | Epoxy resins, Phenoplasts, Thermosetting polyurethanes | Coatings, adhesives, high-strength composites |
Elastomers | Natural rubber, Neoprene, Silicone | Tyres, gaskets, sealants |
Biodegradable polymers | Polylactic acid (PLA), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) | Biodegradable packaging, medical implants, agriculture |
Conductive polymers | Polyaniline (PANI), Polyacetylene, Polypyrrole | Electronics, medical devices, batteries |
Polymer testing, analysis and characterization laboratory
At FILAB, we offer specialized polymer testing and analysis services to help manufacturers control material performance, ensure product compliance, and drive innovation. Whether you work in automotive, medical devices, packaging, or industrial manufacturing, polymers are essential components of your processes and final products. Understanding their structure, properties, and behavior is critical to making informed decisions throughout the product lifecycle.
Our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory provides tailored solutions for polymer characterization, ranging from the identification of polymer types to the analysis of additives, fillers, degradation products, or contaminants. Through both qualitative and quantitative techniques, we evaluate the mechanical, chemical, and thermal performance of polymeric materials in various conditions.
Using advanced instruments such as FTIR spectroscopy, DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and chromatographic systems (GC-MS, HPLC), our team delivers high-resolution insight into your materials. This enables us to identify chemical structures, study polymer aging or oxidation, and determine root causes in case of failure or material instability.
Polymer testing is crucial not only in failure analysis but also in new product development and regulatory conformity. For example, during production shifts or supplier changes, comparative analysis ensures consistency across batches. In regulated sectors, detailed material profiling is often required for certification or approval submissions. FILAB supports you in building strong technical documentation while guiding you with expert interpretation.
Our approach is both reactive and proactive. Whether you need to confirm the composition of a plastic part, detect contamination in a composite, or test the durability of a polymer under stress or temperature, we adapt our methods to your goals. Our experts collaborate closely with your teams, providing clear reports and actionable recommendations.
By choosing FILAB for your polymer analysis and testing needs, you gain access to an independent laboratory with over 30 years of experience, recognized scientific credibility, and the agility to support both routine control and urgent investigations.
FAQ
Polymer characterization involves studying the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of polymers to determine their composition, structure, morphology and thermodynamic properties. It involves the use of various techniques to study the structure and properties of polymer materials, in order to understand how they work and how they can be improved. Polymer characterisation therefore focuses on analysing the overall properties of the polymer, such as tensile strength, elasticity, wear resistance, hardness and chemical resistance. The aim of characterisation is to understand how the polymer behaves in different situations and environments.
The physico-chemical characterization of polymers is an important method for understanding how plastics and similar materials work, and how they can be improved. This technique can be used to determine the properties and composition of polymers, such as their impact resistance, rigidity, melting point or decomposition point. The physico-chemical characterisation 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 characterisation of polymers makes it possible to:
- Understand the quality and properties of finished products that can be used in various industries
- Understand the mechanical properties, structure, chemical composition and ageing 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 characterisation.
A wide range of techniques are used to characterise polymers:
- infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),
- fluorescence spectroscopy,
- X-ray diffraction (XRD),
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
- differential scanning calorimetry (DSC),
- thermogravimetry (TGA),
- and gas chromatography (GC).
To characterise the composition of a polymer, it is essential to identify your precise needs: determining the chemical structure, detecting additives or checking compliance with standards.
Next, you need to select a specialist laboratory with the expertise and equipment required to characterise polymers, such as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), chromatography or mass spectrometry.
Having a polymer tested in a laboratory guarantees the quality and performance of the materials used. Calling on a laboratory with expertise in polymers not only ensures that strict quality and regulatory standards are met, but also enables innovation in the development of new materials.
Polymer materials are often subjected to a variety of stresses throughout their life cycle, from extreme thermal variations to chemical exposure to mechanical stress.
These factors can lead to various types of failure specific to polymers, such as UV degradation, stress cracking and accelerated ageing. These problems can not only affect the appearance of polymers but also compromise their structural and functional integrity, leading to safety risks.
Rigorous quality control and laboratory analysis of polymers are therefore essential to ensure the reliability and durability of these materials.
To find out more
Here is a table summarising the different types of polymer, their main characteristics and their industrial applications:
| Type of polymer | Characteristics | Industrial applications |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Lightweight, impact-resistant, waterproof | Packaging, film, containers |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Rigidity, fatigue resistance, heat resistance | Automotive, textiles, food packaging |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | Rigidity, chemical resistance, durability | Piping, flooring, cables |
| Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) | Chemical resistance, clarity, heat resistance | Bottles, packaging, textile fibres |
| Polystyrene (PS) | Rigidity, electrical insulation, lightness | Packaging, household appliances, electronic components |
| Polyamides (Nylon) | High mechanical strength, heat resistance, wear resistance | Gears, automotive parts, textiles |
There are different types of polymer.
- Thermoplastic polymers: These polymers can be melted and moulded several times, making them particularly suitable for applications requiring shaping by injection or extrusion. Examples include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- Thermosetting polymers: Once cured, these polymers do not melt under the effect of heat. They are used in applications requiring high stability and highthermal resistance . Examples: epoxy, phenol-formaldehyde (bakelite) and urea-formaldehyde.
- Elastomers : These polymers have the ability to stretch to lengths much greater than their original size and return to their original shape once the stress is removed. Examples include natural rubber, nitrile rubber and silicone.
- Synthetic fibres: These polymers are mainly used in the textile industry, such as in the manufacture of clothing. Examples include nylon, polyester and acrylic.
- Biopolymers: derived from biological sources, these polymers are increasingly popular because of their biodegradability and durability. They play a key role in the development of environmentally-friendly materials. Examples include polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and cellulose.
Each polymer family has unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications, underlining the importance of careful analysis when choosing a material for a given project.
For example, in the automotive industry, where the durability and strength of polymer materials are essential for components such as bumpers, dashboards and interior linings, thermal analyses can be carried out to test the polymer's resistance to high temperatures and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
In the medical industry, where polymers are used to manufacture a variety of devices such as catheters or sterile packaging, biocompatibility testing is essential to ensure that materials do not cause adverse reactions in the human body.
Similarly, in the packaging industry, permeability tests can be carried out to assess a polymer's ability to protect the contents from moisture or gases, particularly for food preservation.
