Fully-automated solutions for the structural characterisation of polyolefins

Polymer Char is the only provider of the most complete range of instrumentation specifically developed for polyolefin characterization. Since the company was founded over 25 years ago, its focus has been on engineering techniques that reduce the manual work in the analytical process to a minimum, while obtaining highly precise and comprehensive results. As of today, 13 technologies have been developed addressing specific analytical needs that provide customers a better understanding of their polyolefin products.

Analysing polyolefins is one of the most challenging jobs not only because it requires working with solvents at high temperatures, but because the resins are becoming more complex as the manufacturing industry attempts to optimize performance in specific applications. The instrumentation currently available in the market show only a limited range of information that cannot explain certain behaviors, such as why some resins that are apparently the same perform differently. Polymer Char’s technologies are designed to deliver, through an automated approach, very in-depth data that reveals the whole resin’s microstructure. The separation techniques covered in its portfolio include: Molar Mass Distribution, Chemical Composition Distribution, Bivariate Distribution (MMD+CCD), Soluble Fraction Analysis, Intrinsic Viscosity, and Preparative Fractionation among others.

A key to the successful achievement of its technologies is attributed to the close collaboration with its own customers in scientific and engineering projects that help to identify the most valuable features needed in an automated instrument. Its instruments are highly regarded among leading petrochemicals, but they stand out for integrating a unique polyolefin-dedicated Infrared Detection system. Unlike the refractive index detectors typically used in other manufacturers’ instruments, the two infrared detectors developed by the Polymer Char (IR4 and IR5 MCT) measure chemical composition in addition to concentration, with exceptionally precise results.

Polymer Char is also well-known for its advanced approach to Virtual Instrumentation Software Architecture (VISA) that, together with excellent remote control capabilities and a strong commitment to customer service, places the company at the leading edge of instrumentation diagnostics and technical support.

In the past year, the company launched a line of accessories specifically designed to overcome the inconveniences of daily tasks frequently performed in a polyolefin characterisation laboratory, such as handling solvents manually at high temperature and the external filtration of samples. The series of accessories completed an entire platform of solutions shared by instrumentation, analytical services, and consulting. As of today, Polymer Char has instruments installed in over 25 countries and provides analytical services to over 35 countries around the world. https://ilmt.co/PL/91Xn