Polymer attributes have been measured with NIR since the 1950s. Due to NIR requiring no sample preparation and being nondestructive, many polymer and plastic attributes can be measured rapidly in-line or at-line for qualitative as well as quantitative parameters.

Thermoplastics production, raw material purity and moisture content can be analyzed with NIR. The disappearance of double bonds can be monitored real time in reactions using in-line process NIR. Residual solvent can also be detected using NIR analysis. Additives like antioxidants, UV inhibitors and ones that prevent discoloration are measured using NIR, because it is rapid and cost effective. NIR is an excellent tool for determining reaction endpoints, reducing over-processing of product and improving production consistency.

Common polymer and plastic analytes include: hydroxyl number, acid value, antioxidant and UV inhibitor content, cure, melt index, HDPE/LDPE, melamine content, plastic identification and polymer analysis.

Downloads:

• Analysis of polymers pellets obtained from two extruders using near infrared spectroscopy
• Analysis of Copolymer Levels in Polymer Pellets by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
• Determination of Additives in Polymer Pellets by NIR Spectroscopy
• Permeation studies of PVC pipes with near infrared spectroscopy
• A Guide to Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Industrial Manufacturing Processes
• Near-Infrared Absorptions

Links to Analyzers:

	XDS Rapid Content Analyzer (RCA) The FOSS Rapid Content™ Analyzer, based on XDS near-infrared technology, provides the next generation of dedicated NIR analysis for rapid non-destructive measurements of solid and liquid chemical and pharmaceutical formulations. Read more...
	XDS Rapid Liquid Analyzer (RLA) The FOSS Rapid Liquid™ Analyzer provides rapid non-destructive NIR analysis of liquid chemical and pharmaceutical formulations. Read more...
	XDS Process Analytics MicroBundle Analyzers FOSS' Process analyzers are used throughout the process stream to ensure optimum performance for widely varying samples. The 80-fiber count (40 illumination / 40 collection fibers) allows for cost-effective analysis of sample types ranging from clear liquids to suspensions and solids. Read more...