Instruments for Evaluations Rubber and Plastics

Importance of Topic

This document presents a comprehensive portfolio of analytical instruments by Shimadzu for evaluating the performance and composition of rubber and plastic materials. Due to their extensive use in automotive, industrial, and consumer products, understanding properties such as rheology, thermal transitions, structural integrity, and chemical composition is critical for research & development, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

Study Objectives and Overview

The key objective is to outline the available techniques and instruments for assessing properties that influence processability, durability, safety, and regulatory adherence of polymer-based products. The catalog is organized into sections addressing rheological behavior, thermal characteristics, internal structure observation, additive and contaminant analysis, mass evaluation, particle and powder properties, and mechanical strength testing.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Shimadzu’s solutions encompass:

• Rheology: CFT-500EX/100EX capillary rheometers for viscosity at high pressures; SMV-301/301RT Mooney viscometers for rubber viscosity and vulcanization kinetics.
• Thermal Analysis: DSC-60 Plus for calorimetry; DTG-60 simultaneous TG/DTA for weight and heat flow; TMA-60 for expansion/contraction behavior.
• Non-Destructive Imaging: SMX-100CT, SMX-1000plus, SMX-225CT FPD HR systems for high-resolution X-ray computed tomography of internal structures.
• Chemical Analysis: GCMS-QP2020 pyrolysis and headspace systems for polymer additives and residual solvents; AA-7000 AAS and ICPE-9800 ICP-AES for trace elements; HPLC and IC for ionic species; EDX-7000/8000 and XRF-1800 for elemental composition.
• Surface and Microanalysis: SPM-9700 scanning probe microscopy; EPMA-8050G electron probe microanalysis for automotive materials.
• Molecular Weight: GPC systems for polymer distribution; UV-1280 UV spectrometer for water quality tests.
• Mass Measurement: UniBloc balances (UW/UX series) with high precision and automatic calibration.
• Particle Sizing: SALD-2300 laser diffraction and SALD-7500nano for submicron distributions.
• Mechanical Testing: AG-X plus and EZ Test universal testers for static tensile/compression tests; Servopulser E for dynamic fatigue; MMT and MCT micro testers; HMV-G and DUH-211/S microhardness testers.

Key Findings and Discussion

The integrated portfolio enables end-to-end evaluation from molecular characteristics to macroscopic mechanical performance. High sensitivity and automation improve data reliability and throughput, while modular software platforms ensure compliance with ISO, ASTM, and regulatory standards.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The methods support:

• Process optimization by linking rheological and thermal data to molding conditions.
• Quality control through non-destructive defect analysis and surface composition verification.
• Safety and compliance via quantification of harmful additives and heavy metals.
• Material innovation using precise mechanical and microstructural evaluation.

Future Trends and Prospects

Emerging trends include integration of real-time process monitoring, advanced AI-driven data analysis, higher throughput nano-scale measurements, and expanded in-situ environmental control capabilities to simulate service conditions.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s comprehensive suite addresses critical analytical needs in rubber and plastic industries, facilitating robust product development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance across global markets.