Polymers
A polymer is a large molecule made up of some form of repeating structure. Very often these are chain-like in form which, through different modes of interaction, such as simple entanglement, gives them their ‘plastic' behaviour. At CERAM, our knowledge of polymers, their properties and applications across many different industries is extensive.
The set of polymeric materials is vast including many natural polymers such as proteins and carbohydrates. However, solid polymers can be classified as thermoplastics such as the polyolefins, elastomers or rubbers (natural and synthetic) glassy polymers (eg PerspexTM) and thermosets with intermediate classes also possible (eg copolymers).
Properties of Polymers
Thermoplastic polymers can be moulded into 3D shapes, calendered into films and extruded into fibres. Low molecular weight polymers are used as ‘resins' in paint and coating formulations. Polymers are used as viscosity modifiers in liquid formulations and as insulating materials in electrical applications.
Applications of Polymers
The applications of polymers are numerous. At CERAM, we are particularly involved in their application in coatings, in fibres and in packaging.
Coatings
Painted or lacquered substrates often degrade in particular environments and are affected by the quality of substrate surface preparation. CERAM's surface chemical analysis and chemical depth profiling capabilities are frequently used to support both causal investigations and product developments in this area.
Fibres
Functional textiles are increasingly common and depend on the use of synthetic fibres and on surface treatments. The composition, concentration and distribution of surface treatments can be determined by CERAM's surface analysis capability. Another area of major growth for fibres is in the field of polymer-fibre composites. We have extensive experience in composites analysis where the resins are often cured and the fibres increasingly coated or surface treated.
Packaging
‘Paper' packaging is frequently polymer-laminated. Polymer film is used ubiquitously in food packaging, often surface-modified, printed and often multilayer. Drink cans are internally lacquered and plastic bottles are surface treated, carry sticky labels or have printed sleeving. At CERAM we can carry out analyses to establish modes of failure and to verify composition and distribution for all of these packaging systems.
Polymer Innovation Projects at CERAM
- Replacement of Cr in anti-corrosion coatings
- Molecular weight distribution determination on plastic catheter
- Interfacial fracture investigation in polymer/metal/polymer laminate
- Quantification of the cleanliness/surface residues on cleaned medical devices
- Investigation into automotive plastic fuel tank integrity.
Surface Characterisation of Gas Turbines
CERAM assisted Goodrich Corporation with surface analysis of a chromium containing coating.