Polymers and Plastics

Element and phase analysis, particle size and molecular structure

For all tasks in polymer research, development and production quality control, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis can identify and quantify the concentrations of additives (pigments, fillers, flame retardants, stabilizers) such as antimony, barium, bromine, calcium, chromium (in accordance with RoHS/WEEE regulations), copper, phosphorus, titanium or zinc. In addition, many plastic polymers have some degree of order that can be identified and studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The percent crystallinity—measured with XRD—can correlate to processing methods. The determination of unit cell type, lattice parameters, microstructure and crystallographic orientation through pole figures can be of importance. Periodic or crystalline structures on the nanoscale can be examined by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). Rigaku offers comprehensive Instruments and services for all methods.