Question

In polymer Chemistry, Give description on a specific characterization method.

Answer 1

Polymer Characteriation: Polymer characterization is the analytical branch of Polymer science.The characterization typically has a goal to improve the performance of the material.Many characteristic techniques should ideally be linked to the desirable properties of the material such as strength,impermeability,thermal stability and optically properties.The common techniques of characterization are:

1.Molecular weight analysis is determined by one of the following methods:

(a)Gel Permeation Chromatography(GPC)

(b)Dilute Solution Viscosity Testing(IV)

(C) Melt Flow Index Testing(MFI)

2.MOlecular Structure determines if a polymer is homo or co -polymer.Methods used for this analysis include:

(a)Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR)

(b)Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy(NMR)

3.Determining the morphology following methods are:

(a) Scanning Electron microscopy(SEM)

(b) Transmission Electron Microscopy(TEM)

(C) Atomic Force Microscopy(AFM)

4. Understanding the thermal properties of a polymer following can be used:

(a) Differential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC)

(b)Rheology Testing

(C) Thermogravimetric Analysis(TGA)

(d) Dynamic Mechanical Testing(DMA)

5.Physical properties can be determined by following ways:

(a) Tensile Testing

(b)Flexural Testing

(C) Compression Testing

(d)Durometer Testing

(e) Specific gravity and Density determination

(f) Custom fixture Development for unique testing situation.