Thermo Fisher Scientific Highlighted Innovations in Polymer Analysis at K 2016
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. introduced new material characterization, molecular spectroscopy and web gauging solutions in at K Show. The company’s portfolio was focused on unparalleled integration of technologies, comprehensive insights for accelerated materials analysis and superior control in production under the motto “Solve, together!”.
“Our innovations and expertise cover the complete polymer and plastics lifecycle and are designed to enable our customers to produce superior, consistent results,” said Mauricio Senties, senior director, marketing and commercial excellence, chemical analysis for Thermo Fisher. “We understand polymer-related processing parameters and speed-critical decisions. Through our laboratory and process solutions, we help push innovation forward and enhance productivity for our customers.”
Unparalleled Integration
Thermo Fisher supports its customers by developing novel polymer compounds, encompassing a number of process steps, with unparalleled integration of material characterization solutions for laboratory compounding, sample preparation and rheological characterization. Instruments showcased at K 2016 include:
- The Thermo Scientific HAAKE Minilab micro-compounder, which is used to measure structural changes during compounding and assess rheological properties of test materials for research and development. The micro-compounder is equipped with an intuitive user interface for standalone operation using a tablet computer.
- The Thermo Scientific Process 11 parallel twin-screw extruder featuring a new sheet take off to calibrate and cool down the sheet in a defined manner. The compact, intuitive and scalable benchtop instrument is designed to simulate and optimize production processes with as little as 20 grams per hour or up to 2.5 kg per hour.
- The modular Thermo Scientific HAAKE MARS rheometer platform combines two new in-situ rheology solutions: the combination with dielectrical analysis (DEA) expands the frequency range from mHz to MHz and the Rheo-Raman spectroscopy solution investigates structural changes on the molecular level under shear or deformation.
Comprehensive Insight
For polymer method development, troubleshooting, and research, the Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS 50 FT-IR spectrometer is the ideal material analysis workstation, featuring one-touch automation. Similarly, for multilayer polymer analysis, the Thermo Scientific DXR2xi Raman imaging microscope provides high performance chemical imaging with speed and simplicity.
Superior Control
Also on display was the Thermo Scientific IPlus! measurement and control system fitted with the Thermo Scientific PROSIS IR thickness sensor. The IPlus! is an easy-to-use system suitable for a range of applications such as cast film extrusion, sheet extrusion and extrusion coating. The PROSIS sensor uses full-spectrum IR light to analyze materials on the line and delivers highly precise, multi-component thickness data. These robust and reliable products ensure increased product uniformity, optimal quality, raw material savings and improved line utilization.
