Precision is key to innovations in the plastics and polymers space. The quality and consistency of polymers directly impact the functionality of these materials, whether this is in everyday items like water bottles, or the high-performance materials used in aerospace applications.
Nitrogen testing represents a critical but often overlooked aspect of polymer production.
Nitrogen is a fundamental element found in a wide range of polymer compounds. The presence of nitrogen can considerably impact the properties of a final plastic product, so it is important to maintain the right balance of nitrogen to ensure that the final product features the desired qualities and properties.
For example, a Nitrogen-rich polymer may be more flame-resistant, while a Nitrogen-poor one may be more flexible. The balance between strength, flexibility, and other characteristics hinges on precise Nitrogen determination.
Manufacturers should, therefore, employ robust nitrogen testing processes for quality assurance purposes, as well as allow the fine-tuning of material properties to meet exacting specifications.
Nitrogen-based additives play varied roles in polymers, acting as stabilizers, plasticizers, and chain transfer agents. Adjusting nitrogen levels allows manufacturers to alter a material’s properties; for example, a nitrogen-poor polymer may be more flexible, while a nitrogen-rich polymer may be more flame-resistant.
Precise Nitrogen determination is required to maintain the balance between strength, flexibility, and other essential characteristics.
LECO's FP928 Nitrogen/Protein Determinator
Precise and accurate measurements are key to a product’s quality, consistency, and functionality. Modern analytical techniques are able to accommodate this need. For example, LECO’s FP928 nitrogen determinator leverages an automated combustion method to rapidly provide accurate and precise results.
This instrument offers a number of advantages over more traditional approaches, such as the Kjeldahl method. For example, sample prep for this method (Dumas) is straightforward, and there is no need to use hazardous materials.
Image Credit: LECO Corporation
Users can be assured of precise results while saving time and improving lab safety. These benefits also prove to be cost-effective over time.
Manufacturers can optimize production processes, maintain quality, and innovate with confidence, thanks to powerful elemental analyzers like the FP928 from LECO.
Acknowledgments
Produced from materials originally authored by LECO.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by LECO Corporation.
For more information on this source, please visit LECO Corporation.