Polymers and Rubbers Application Compendium

Significance of the Topic

Modern polymer and rubber materials underpin critical applications in automotive, aerospace, electronics, packaging and consumer goods. Precise characterization of polymer composition, structure, and mechanical properties drives product development, ensures consistent quality, and prevents costly failures. Advanced analytical techniques allow manufacturers and research laboratories to monitor production processes, verify additive levels, troubleshoot defects, and support recycling efforts.

Objectives and Study Overview

This compendium of methods from Agilent Technologies presents a suite of analytical solutions tailored for polymers and rubbers. Key objectives include:

• Quantitative determination of copolymer composition (e.g., styrene butadiene rubber and polyethylene-vinyl acetate blends) using FTIR spectroscopy.
• Rapid identification and failure analysis of elastomer seals, gaskets, o-rings and spark plugs in real-world settings.
• High-resolution chemical imaging of multi-layer polymer laminates by micro-ATR FTIR without elaborate sample preparation.
• Comprehensive mechanical and surface characterization via AFM, FE-SEM and nanoindentation.
• Molecular-weight and additive analysis using liquid chromatography and GPC/SEC.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Agilent’s portfolio integrates multiple techniques:

• Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy: Bench-top Cary 630, portable 4500/5500 and handheld 4100 ExoScan systems equipped with ATR accessories (Diamond, Germanium, DialPath, TumblIR) for transmission, ATR, reflection and chemical imaging modes.
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): Modular systems with Kelvin probe and environmental control for nanoscale morphology and electrical properties.
• Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM): Low-voltage imaging for high-contrast surface analysis.
• Nanoindentation: Precise mechanical property mapping, scratch and elevated-temperature testing.
• Liquid Chromatography (LC and UHPLC): Analysis of polymer additives, migration products and trace contaminants with UV, ELSD and ALS detectors.
• Gel Permeation/Size Exclusion Chromatography (GPC/SEC): Molecular-weight distribution of engineering polymers, biopolymers and elastomers using multi-detector suites.

Main Results and Discussion

• FTIR Quantitation of Copolymers: Cary 630 FTIR with single-reflection diamond ATR enabled linear calibrations for polystyrene in SBR (R²=0.999) and VA content in PEVA (R²=0.999) with limits of detection below 0.1 wt%. Fast scans (5–60 s) and color-coded software feedback facilitate QA/QC.
• “Sample-Prep Free” ATR Imaging: Live ATR imaging on the Cary 620 FTIR microscope achieved ultralow pressure contact, resolving <5 µm tie layers in <50 µm laminates without resin embedding.
• Handheld FTIR Identification: 4100 ExoScan with spherical Ge ATR rapidly differentiated carbon-filled elastomers (NBR, EPDM, fluorosilicone) on industrial parts with >95% spectral match.
• Failure Analysis of Spark Plugs: Cary 610 FTIR microscope with large-sample objective and micro-ATR identified oil and fuel-additive deposits directly on intact spark plugs in 5 s scans.
• Chemical Mapping of Paint Cross-Sections: Automated FTIR mapping using a 64×64 FPA-FTIR microscope revealed stratified polymer layers in automotive paint, enabling layer-by-layer functional group imaging.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Non-destructive, in situ and handheld analysis for factory floor and field troubleshooting.
• Rapid, user-friendly methods requiring minimal sample preparation.
• High spatial resolution chemical imaging to reveal micron-scale features and defects.
• Versatile liquid- and solid-phase analysis for process control, QA/QC, research and failure investigation.
• Comprehensive multi-technique platforms that integrate FTIR, AFM, SEM, nanoindentation and chromatography.

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Integration of vibrational spectroscopy with AI-driven data analysis and predictive QC models.
• In-line and at-line analytical modules for real-time process monitoring in polymer extrusion and molding.
• Expanded use of compact, battery-powered FTIR and AFM devices for remote field measurements.
• Hyphenated techniques combining spectroscopy with thermal, mechanical or mass spectrometric detection.
• Continued advances in FPA-FTIR imaging and micro-ATR accessories for sub-micron chemical mapping.

Conclusion

Agilent’s comprehensive analytical toolbox empowers polymer and rubber laboratories to achieve fast, accurate and non-destructive characterization across a broad spectrum of applications. From quantitative FTIR assays of copolymers to nanoscale mechanical testing and high-throughput chromatography, these solutions enhance R&D and QA/QC efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure materials meet demanding performance specifications.

References