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DIK Department: Elastomer Chemistry

Head of department: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Giese

Phone +49 511 84201-10   |   Fax: +49 511 84201-52
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The science of laboratory analysis and technical problem solving are combined to investigate and improve polymeric materials such as raw materials (rubbers, fillers and ingredients) vulcanized rubbers, complex composites etc.

Special skills concentrate on environmentally relevant issues (emissions, exposure). Trace analysis methods are developed for use in the rubber, plastics, foodstuffs and pharmaceutical industries. The department is able to cover all aspects of this important area. The main topics of research in the department Elastomer Chemistry are summarized as follows:

• Characterization of multiphase systems (morphology)
• Polymeric fillers
• Polymer-filler-interactions
• Vulcanization
• Aging mechanisms
• Modification of fillers and polymers
• Nano - materials (synthetic and natural origin)
• "Leachables" and "Extractables" from polymer materials
• Emissions and environmental exposure of elastomers
• Transport processes of gases and liquids in elastomers

A direct input of knowledge and methods into the services is given by the research. The services extend beyond the standard chemical testing required to meet industry and government specifications and includes technical and scientific assistance, consultancy, performance evaluations, failure analysis and development of new materials. The major test methods are accredited by ISO 17025. Complete chemical analysis can be performed. Beside the test for single standard parameters complete chemical analyses of materials are carried out. Some selected applications are summarized following:

Analyses of the material components like polymers, fillers, additives (plasticizers, antioxidants, processing aids, crosslinking chemicals, elements (like sufur, zinc etc.).

Methods:

• Thermogravimetry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Extraction,
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), Liquid-Chromatography, (HPLC, LC-MS), Thin Layer Chromatography and FT-IR Spectroscopy

Characterization of thermal properties of elastomers, thermoplasts and raw materials (glass transition, melting, crystallization, heat capacity, reaction enthalpy)

Method:

• Differential Scanning Calorimetry
• ATR-FT-IR Spectroscopy, special apparatus working acc. to a two chamber principle.

Polymer characterization for mean mol mass, mol mass dispersion and polymer microstructure

Methods:

• Size Exclusion Chromatography, Viscosimetry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, FT-IR Spectroscopy

Nitrosamine analyses in air at workplaces (workplace air monitoring acc. to TRGS 402 or 552) and in cured rubbers

Methods:

• GC-TEA-Coupling, DIN EN 12868, Test Chamber (PBVWL 7748)

Determination of "Leachables" und "Extractables" or tests acc. to regulations for food contact materials.

Methods:

• Liquid Chromatography (HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS)

Analyses of volatile components from polymers, elastomers and other non metallic materials acc. for example to VDA 278 or DIN 75201 and of vulcanization fumes

Methods:

• Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) using specific sample injection techniques, special apparatus

Identification and characterization of discoloration, surface changes, contact layers

Method:

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with EDX and ATR-FT-IR Spectroscopy

Characterization of polymer morphology, filler- and nanoparticles

Method:

• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

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