Polymer Testing and Analysis – FTIR, MFI, DSC, and Failure Investigations
Polymer Testing and Analysis – FTIR, MFI, DSC, and Failure Investigations
Comprehensive Polymer Testing and Analysis
QAI Laboratories provides expert testing services for thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, rubbers, and composite materials. Our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab offers a wide range of capabilities, including material identification, thermal analysis, tensile testing, and failure investigations.
Whether you’re qualifying a new material, troubleshooting a product failure, or verifying melt flow index, QAI delivers fast, accurate, and actionable results—helping you maintain quality, ensure compliance, and make confident, data-driven decisions.
What is Polymer Testing and Analysis?
Polymer testing is the scientific evaluation of plastic and rubber materials to determine their composition, performance, durability, and structural integrity. It plays a critical role in research and development, quality control, regulatory compliance, and failure prevention.
At QAI, we test a wide range of polymers using advanced analytical techniques such as FTIR, DSC, SEM, TGA, and melt flow index testing. These methods help identify unknown materials, assess mechanical and thermal properties, and optimize product performance—giving you the data you need to ensure quality and reliability.
Our Polymer Testing Process Includes:
Material Identification
FTIR with ATR, SEM/EDS, density, and specific gravity testing
Thermal Testing
DSC & TGA to evaluate glass transition, degradation, and thermal stability
Melt Flow Index (MFI) Testing
ASTM D1238-compliant testing to assess material processability
Contaminant Detection
Cleanliness and foreign particle analysis via SEM/EDS
Custom Consulting
Reverse engineering and product improvement recommendations
All testing is backed by expert consultation and detailed reporting to support your engineering and quality goals.
Why is Polymer Testing Important?
Accurate polymer testing ensures your materials meet critical performance and manufacturing requirements. QAI’s polymer testing services support product development, quality assurance, supplier validation, and failure analysis. With a broad range of in-house capabilities and expert support, we deliver fast, reliable insights to help you maintain product quality and compliance.
Why Choose QAI for Polymer Testing?
- ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing facility
- In-house FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM/EDS, and MFI equipment
- Expertise in material ID, failure analysis, and reverse engineering
- Testing for plastics, rubbers, elastomers, adhesives, and composites
- Fast turnaround times and consultative engineering support
- Clear, actionable reports for both technical and non-technical audiences
Wide Scope of Accreditation at your Services
Learn More About QAI’s Materials Services
Whether you’re identifying an unknown polymer, troubleshooting a molded part, or verifying material flow rates, QAI’s polymer testing services give you the insight you need — fast. From FTIR and melt flow index to tensile strength and thermal analysis, our accredited lab provides accurate data, expert consultation, and responsive turnaround. We make polymer testing clear, efficient, and reliable — so you can solve problems quickly and keep your materials performing as expected.
SPECIFIC TESTS AND/OR PROPERTIES MEASURED
PLASTICS, ELASTOMERS, RUBBERS, COMPOSITE MATERIALS, COMPONENTS, SYSTEMS, AND ASSEMBLIES
FREQUENT TESTING METHODS/STANDARDS
• ASTM D1238 – Melt Flow Index (MFI)
• ASTM D882 / D638 – Tensile Testing of Plastics
• ASTM E1252 – FTIR Spectroscopy
• ASTM E1356 – Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
• ASTM E1131 – Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
• ASTM D2240 – Durometer Hardness
• ASTM D792 – Specific Gravity
TYPICAL PROJECTS WE SUPPORT
• Melt flow index testing for molding materials
• FTIR identification of unknown polymers
• DSC and TGA for R&D or product qualification
• Tensile strength testing of plastic parts
• Failure analysis of rubber seals or plastic housings
• Contaminant analysis in medical or industrial polymer systems
Utilizing QAI’s expertise, efficient turnaround times, and dedicated customer service, ensures your medical devices meet regulatory standards promptly and effectively. This facilitates a quicker market entry while maintaining adherence to the highest safety and compliance requirements.
Note: For services specific to our Loves Park lab (formerly Atrona Test Labs), please call us directly at 📞 (815) 229-8620.
For all other inquiries or to reach our other labs and locations, please contact us at:
📞 USA 888.540.4024 📞 CANADA 877.461.8378
Founded in 1995 by a group of experienced certification and testing experts, QAI is an independent third-party testing, inspection and certification organization which serves the building industry, government and individuals with cost effective solutions through our global, in-house capabilities / services.
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USA 1(888)540.4024
Canada 1(877)461.8378
Europe info@qai.org
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