At Anderson Materials Evaluation, we provide comprehensive plastic testing and polymer testing services. Our expert team, led by Dr. Charles Anderson, has been delivering reliable results since 1995.

Comprehensive Plastic Analysis Services

• XPS or ESCA Plastic and Polymer Analysis:
  • Surface elemental composition
  • Chemical phases and surface chemistry
  • Contaminant detection and identification
• SEM/EDS Plastic and Polymer Analysis:
  • Surface morphology and particle size
  • Elemental composition for elements beyond sodium
• XRF or X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Plastics:
  • Quantitative analysis of elements carbon and heavier
  • High sensitivity of detection
  • Measurement of carbon and nitrogen concentrations
  • Detection of heavy metals and composition of inorganic filler materials
• LIBS or Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Polymers:
  • Elemental composition of particles
  • Analysis of different areas of larger samples
  • Detection and identification of inorganic filler particles and fibers
• Optical Microscopy Analysis:
  • Color, light transmission, and reflection uniformity
  • Particle size, shape, and distribution
• TGA or Thermogravimetric Analysis:
  • Decomposition temperatures and quantitative chemical analysis
  • Preparation of inorganic particles for further analysis
• DSC or Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analysis:
  • Melting temperature, heat of fusion, and oxidation temperature
  • Structural phase changes and specific heat measurement
• TMA or ThermalMechanical Analysis:
  • Measure thermal expansion or CTE
  • Measure glass transition temperature, Tg
  • Measure crystallization temperature
  • Measure softening temperature
  • Measure heat deflection temperature under load
• FTIR or Infrared Spectroscopy for Plastic/Polymer Analysis:
  • Identification of organic materials and contaminants
  • Analysis of bonding groups and polymer types
• GC-MS or Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectroscopy:
  • Detection and measurement of organic polymer additives
  • Identification of organic materials leached from polymers
• X-ray Diffraction (XRD):
  • Determination of semi-crystalline and amorphous phases
  • Crystalline phases of fill particles in the resin
• Profilometry or Surface Roughness and Microscopy:
  • Surface roughness and 3D topography mapping
  • Detection of defects as small as 500 nm
• Mechanical Testing for Plastics/Polymers:
  • Tensile, compression, bend, and hardness testing
  • Adhesive peel and lapshear testing
  • Deflection with temperature
  • Breaking strength, elongation, and tearing strength of fabrics
• SEM and Microscopic Failure Analysis:
  • Identification of failure types
  • Examination of surface roughness, microcracking, and porosity
• Analysis of Multilayered Plastic Films:
  • Outer layer analysis with FTIR and XPS
  • Interior layer analysis with fine abrasives and rub tests
• Gloss Measurement:
  • Measurement of gloss at various angles
  • Adherence to ISO and ASTM standards
• Thermal Conductivity and Effusivity:
  • Measurement of thermal conductivity
  • Effusivity of fabrics and quality problems detection
• Electrical Conductivity:
  • Measure the polymer resistivity

ASTM Standards

We follow several ASTM test methods for plastics and polymers, including:

• ASTM D523: Specular Gloss
• ASTM D570: Water Absorption of Plastics
• ASTM D638: Tensile Properties of Plastics
• ASTM D648: Heat Deflection Temperature under Load
• ASTM D695: Compressive Properties of Rigid Plastics
• ATTM D2261: Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure
• ASTM D2584: Ignition Loss of Cured Reinforced Plastics
• ASTM D4963: Ignition Loss of Glass Fiber Textiles
• ASTM D5034: Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
• ASTM D6370: Rubber Composition Analysis by TGA

For more standards, visit our ASTM Test Methods page.

More Information and Case Histories

Explore some of our past work to understand our expertise:

• FTIR Analysis of Overheated Silicone Material
• Polymer Analysis of Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon-6 Pellets
• XPS Analysis for Polymer Sealing Problems
• Silicone Detection on Acrylic Adhesive/Polyimide Tape

For further detailed case histories, please visit our Case Histories page.

For a deeper understanding of our plastic analysis services and polymer testing capabilities, please visit our detailed analysis techniques page here.

Contact Us

For more information, or to discuss your specific plastic testing needs, visit our Contact Us page.