ChemTech Innovators R&D Center
The Polymer and Rubber Characterization Laboratory at the ChemTech R&D Center is a state of the art laboratory for polymer and rubber analysis. This laboratory provides analytical support for multiple processes including polymer modification, catalytic polymerization, manufacture of microporous films, polymer blends and composites, polymer clay nanocomposites, in addition to many other research endeavors in the polymer and rubber fields. Most of our analytical equipment comes from generous donations from B.F. Goodrich, Kimberly Clark, Alberee Products, and Alpha Technologies. In addition some analytical equipment is fabricated in-house. Most of our polymer and rubber analytical equipment are listed below:
Mooney Viscometers
Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analyzer (DMTA)
Texture Analyzer
High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC)
Thermal Conductivity Analyzer
Optical Microscopes
Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)
Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)
ARES-G2 Rheometer
Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR)
Freezer/Mill or Cryogenic Grinder Mill
Instron Tensile Tester
Hydraulic Press
Twin Screw Extruder
Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA)
Batch Mixer
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Impact Strength Tester
Mooney Viscometers
The Polymer and Rubber Characterization Laboratory has three Alpha Technologies Mooney Viscometers which allows for rapid throughput of test samples. The Mooney Viscometers have a data acquisition system and are controlled by electric solid state heater controllers. Mooney Viscosity is defined by ASTM D1646-07 as “the shearing torque resisting rotation of a cylindrical metal disk (or rotor) embedded in rubber within a cylindrical cavity.” Mooney viscosity is an important measurement for characterization and performance of rubber compounds and is commonly used in industry as a means of quality control. Dr. Lee and his research group are extremely grateful to have our Mooney Viscometers as part of a generous donation from Alpha Technologies.
Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analyzer (DMTA)
Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analyzers or DMTA is versatile instrument used to measure many different properties of polymeric materials including Young’s modulus, the storage modulus, relaxation properties, dynamic glass transition, etc. over a wide range of temperatures. Our DMTA is a DMTA-IV manufactured by Rheometric Scientific. This instrument was provided by Kimberly-Clark’s R&D funding.
Texture Analyzer
Our texture analyzer manufactured by Texture Technologies is used to measure film characteristics such as stress and strain relationships. This instrument was provided by Kimberly-Clark’s R&D funding support.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
High Performance Liquid Chromatography or HPLC has a myriad of uses and is not dependent upon the volatility or stabilty of a compounds as with gas chromatographs. The applications of HPLC’s include molecular weight distribution analysis of polymer compounds, separation of compounds, purification of compounds, etc. Our HPLC is a Hewlett Packard 1050 Series with computerized data acquisition and control.
Thermal Conductivity Analyzer
The thermal conductivity analyzer was built by Dr. Lee’s research group (credit due to Dr. Leah Taylor) to measure the thermal conductivity along the length of a sample at various temperatures. Thermal conductivity is an important property to characterize in that it is the measure of a material’s ability to conduct heat.
Optical Microscopes
The Polymer and Rubber Characterization lab also has several high power optical microscopes and a stereoscope of various configurations for detailed images and measurements. Some of the microscopes are equipped with cameras. The microscope in the above picture was donated by Dr. C. K. Riew.
Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)
The Lab was equipped with TA Instruments’ DSC Q2000, the top-of-the-line research-grade DSC. The ChemTech Lab is in the process of upgrading this essential analytical instrument.
Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)
The Lab was equipped with TA Instruments’ top-of-the-line TGA Q600 (SDT Q600). The SDT (simultaneous DSC-TGA) measures the heat flow and mass changes associated with transitions in materials over the temperature range of ambient to 1500 degrees Celsius. The ChemTech Innovators Lab is in the process of upgrading this essential analytical system.
ARES-G2 Rheometer
The Lab used to have TA Instruments’ top-of-the-line rotational rheometer for advanced material characterization, in particular, measurement of rheological properties of advanced materials. The ChemTech Lab is not currently employing this analysis on site.
Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometer
The Lab used to have Thermo Scientific Nicolet 6700 FT-IR Spectrometer for polymer and rubber chemistry as well as liquid fuel characterization. The Chemtech Innovators Lab is in the process of updating this instrument.
Freezer/Mill or Cryogenic Grinder Mill
The Lab was equipped with SPEX CERTIPREP’s Freezer/Mill Model 6870 for fine grinding soft materials such as polymeric resins. The Chemtech Innovators Lab is in the process of updating this instrument.
Instron Tensile Tester
Hydraulic Press
Type of Equipment: Hydraulic Press
Manufacturer: Carver
Instrument Model: 12 x 12 Manual Heated Hydraulic Laboratory Press
Brief Description: The Carver press is used to prepare polymer samples for analytical testing.
Twin Screw Extruder
Type of Equipment: Twin Screw Extruder
Manufacturer: Leistritz
Instrument Model: Micro-18 twin screw extruder, 30:1 L/D
Brief Description: The twin screw extruder is used to prepare polymer blends and composites.
Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA)
Type of Equipment: Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA)
Manufacturer: TA Instruments
Instrument Model: DMA Q800
Brief Description: The DMA Q800 is used to study the viscous and elastic response of a polymer sample when it is exposed to a periodic stress.
Batch Mixer
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Impact Strength Tester
The Lab’s Analytical Wing had an extensive array of most up-to-date characterization equipment for its research in advanced materials and sustainable energy. All instruments were in great operating condition under the leadership of Dr. Lee. Since the SEAM Lab is now a permanently retired name as Lee’s academic R&D lab, the ChemTech Innovators’ analytical capability is being currently updated and streamlined for new foci in its industrial R&D portfolio. External sample analysis service is NO LONGER offered.
Sunggyu Lee, PhD 