QC and product screening of polymers usually require several different technologies to determine critical parameters such as density, intrinsic viscosity, hydroxyl value, melt flow index, and more. NIR spectroscopy is a more efficient alternative enabling manufacturers and processors to determine the mentioned physical and chemical parameters with just one analysis in less than a minute.
Overview
Quality control (QC) and screening of raw materials, intermediates, and final products is a must for polymer manufacturers and processors. However, determination of critical chemical and rheological parameters such as density, intrinsic/relative viscosity, melt flow index/rate, additive content, and more can be time-consuming and costly. The implementation of such screening procedures requires substantial efforts as trained staff and different technologies are needed. Hence, some manufacturers do not perform any screening at all but simply rely on the certificates of their suppliers.
In our webinar we present an alternative QC and screening method for polymers, which is based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). This technology allows manufacturers and processors to determine multiple quality parameters all at the same time in less than one minute and without any sample preparation required prior to the analysis. Participants will learn what NIRS is, how this method works, and how it is applied as per ASTM guidelines. Moreover, some application examples are presented from Metrohm customers, who successfully implement NIRS to reduce the costs of their QC by up to 90%!
Key Takeaways
- Learn basic information about what near-infrared spectroscopy is and how it works.
- Explore the key benefits and limitations of using near-infrared spectroscopy for polymer analysis.
- Discover how to implement this method as per ASTM E1655.
- Identify application examples of key quality parameters e.g., intrinsic, or relative viscosity, moisture, and hydroxyl value.
Speakers
Wim Guns is based in The Netherlands and has a degree in chemical engineering.. In his role, he is responsible for NIR sales support and second line support for all Metrohm affiliates and distributors.
His first contact with NIR spectroscopy was in 1993 when he started at Perstorp Analytical as sales engineer for the Benelux, focusing on NIR for the chemical and pharmaceutical market. In 1997 Perstorp analytical was taken over by Foss. After 20 years of involvement with NIR in the industrial market, he moved in 2013 to the Metrohm organization and now uses his experience to grow the business for Metrohm.
Nicolas Rühl has been with Metrohm AG since 2015. In this time, he has been in charge of developing the near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy business at Metrohm and supporting NIR development teams by providing market insights and sharing customer needs. Before joining Metrohm, Nicolas received his Ph.D in physical chemistry from Julius-Maximilian University in Würzburg, Germany, on single-molecule spectroscopy using vis-NIR and raman spectroscopy technologies. Rühl completed an MBA program in 2020.
Andreas Agerer has been with Metrohm AG since 2018. In this time, he has been responsible for developing near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy methods tailored to new application areas, and supporting sales teams during feasibility studies. Before joining Metrohm, Andreas worked for the company Sunplugged, in charge of optimizing the chemical vapor deposition for thin-film (CIGS) photovoltaic cells. He received his M.S. degree in analytical chemistry from Leopold-Franzens University in Innsbruck (Austria), on phosphoprotein determination using NIR and IR spectroscopy.