Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
This is a thermal analysis method used to find phase transitions, analyze degradation reactions, and evaluate polymer properties. Frontier Protection Worldwide’s TGA testing services provide valuable insight into material behaviour and characteristics.
Our Thermogravimetric Analysis Services
FPW performs TGA testing on a variety of non-metallic materials. Our polymer experts are actively engaged in testing and materials organizations around the world, and are up to date on the latest developments in advanced materials. We can work with you to determine the most appropriate testing for every stage of your material’s lifespan, from research and development to failure analysis.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
This is a thermo-analytical technique for polymeric and non-metallic materials. Most commonly used for detecting glass transition temperature and other thermal properties, differential scanning calorimetry is one of the most efficient and cost-effective polymer test methods available. As such, FPW has immense expertise in this area for the development of the polymer based coatings for a wide range of industries.
This technique tracks the amount of energy required to increase the temperature of a material by a certain amount. By making accurate measurements of heat capacity and temperature, differential scanning calorimetry can detect changes in material properties at exact temperatures, revealing important transition ranges and deterioration points. This method has been vital in the development of the intumescent reactions/transitions which are unique to FPW chemistry.
FPW performs DSC testing in-house for research, product development and offers a consultancy service. Our polymer testing experts have years of experience across a variety of industries, and can help you overcome the unique challenges inherent with non-metallic materials.
Rheology Analysis
FPW has a thermal stress rheometer to conduct our Rheometry Testing, to measure shear rheology across various materials including polymers, metals and composites.
Rotational rheometry determines the structural and compositional changes within a material, which can affect flow and deformation. A rheometer will replicate the flow and deformation that is typically found in extrusion and injection moulding. The controlling factors in flow and deformation can affect the stability and performance of a material.
Rheometry is commonly used for testing viscosity, however it can be used to determine other characteristics within a material, including:
- Direct Stress and Strain Control
- Shear Viscosity
- Temperature Dependence
- Elongational Viscosity
- Elasticity
- Melt Fracture
- Materials Selection
- Stress Relaxation
- Flow Visualisation
- Yield Stress
- Thixotropy
- Creep
- Recovery
Internal Product Development
As part of the formulation development process, the rheology of the coatings are all quantified. This is especially significant for those coatings which are exposed to high temperatures. This allows our experts to determine the effect of the coating at elevated temperatures.
Spectroscopy
FPW provides a spectroscopy analysis service with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic instrument.
This technique can obtain detailed compositional information and bring clarification and understanding to a wide range of materials issues.
Examples of applications include:
- Polymer type confirmation of rubbers, plastics and thermoplastic elastomers
- Identification of material additives and fillers
- Identification of particulate inclusion contaminants by FTIR microspectroscopy
- Identification of multilayer laminate films by FTIR microspectroscopy
In some instances FTIR analysis provides an initial material assessment followed by more detailed and sensitive analysis using other techniques available by FPW.