Symptom: Material too hard or too soft

Possible Causes: What could cause this problem?

Improper formulation: co-polymers, placticizers, fillers
(>1% by weight)

OR (choose one)

Improper formulation: low-level additives (<1% by="">

Sample Testing Plan: How do you measure?

  • 1. Melt polymer into thin film of known thickness
  • 2. Measure film with transmission

Data Analysis Plan: How do you identify the problem?

  • 1. Quantify additives using peak height or area method
  • 2. Adjust formulation
  • 3. Check additives routinely

Recommended Configuration: What to use?

Nicolet iS5 FT-IR spectrometer