Analysis of Traces in Polymers

Most polymerisation processes used to create modern plastic materials need the assistance of catalytic substances containing elements such as aluminum, titanium or zinc. Yet, it is vital to minimize the presence of catalysts in the finished product, in order to maintain its desirable properties.

In addition to catalysts a number of other charges and additives - plasticisers, lubricants, stabilizing agents, neutralisers, antioxidants, pigments – are used in the production process. These products contain elements such as magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), phosphorous (P), chlorine (Cl), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr) or titanium (Ti).

Therefore, it is necessary to conduct elemental analyses on the finished polymer in order to optimize control over processing. Plastics are generally electrical insulators, resistant to acids and therefore difficult to put into solution. This makes X-ray fluorescence the preferred method to obtain rapid and precise analyses for all the elements ofp>

Read the full Application Note - AN41658 (PDF: 410 KB)