Methods A-Z

Polymer Diagnostics, Inc. testing and consulting laboratories are accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA).

Accreditation from A2LA, Certificate Numbers: 0514-01 & 0514-02, denotes that PDI laboratories and operations were accredited using criteria specifically developed to determine technical competence. During this process, specialist technical assessors conducted a thorough evaluation of all factors that impact the production of testing or calibration data at PDI laboratories. The A2LA’s criteria are based on the internationally accepted standard ISO/IEC 17025, which measures:

• Technical competence of staff
• Validity and appropriateness of test methods
• Traceability of measurements and calibrations to national standards
• Suitability, calibration and maintenance of test equipment
• Testing environment in sampling, handling and transportation of test items
• Quality assurance of test and calibration data

Test Methods

CHEMICAL

MECHANICAL

Instruments

Chromatography, Gas

• Injection Techniques
  • Headspace
  • Direct Injection
  • Pyrolysis
  • Solid Phase Microextraction [SPME]
• Flame Ionization Detection
• Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) 

Chromatography, Liquid

• Photodiode Array Detector
• Refractive Index

Chromatography, Size Exclusion

• THF Soluble Polymers
• Detection Modes
  • Refractive Index
  • Ultraviolet-visible
• Relative Molecular Weights

Flammability

• Cone Calorimeter
• NBS Smoke Chamber
• OI Tester
• Instrumented Room Fire Test Facility
• Computer Fire Model

Microscopy

• Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
• Ultra High Resolution SEM with Energy Dispersive X-Ray System
• Digital Optical Microscope
• Zeiss Photomicroscopes
• Nikon Stereo Microscope
• Atomic Force Microscope
• Digital Camera Capabilities

Moisture Analysis

• Coulometric Karl Fischer Analysis
• Loss on Drying Methods and Instrumentation

Rheology

• Mechanical Spectrometer
• Capillary Rheometers

Spectroscopy, Atomic

• ICP/OES
  • Sample Introduction Techniques
    • HF Compatible Nebulization System
    • CETAC-USN
  • Sample Preparation
    • CEM MARSX-MDS
    • Ashing
    • Hot Plate

Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

• Sample Introduction Techniques
  • Compression Molded Disks
  • Pellets
  • Powders
  • Liquids
• Various Quantitative Analysis Techniques

Spectroscopy, Infrared

• Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometers
• Multiple Bounce Attenuated Total Reflectance ATR Apparatus
• IR Microscope
• Diamond Cell
• Single Bounce Diamond Faced ATR Apparatus

Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

• 300 MHz Field Strength

Thermal Analysis

• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
• Temperature-Modulated DSC
• Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
• TGA coupled to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (TGA/FT-IR)
• TGA coupled to Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectroscopy (TGA/GC/MS) 
• Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA)
• Thermal Conductivity / Diffusivity by Flash Method