This analytical insight helps clients understand material composition, identify unknowns, investigate failures, and generate data to support material selection, regulatory assessment, process optimisation and research and development.
Chromatographic techniques separate components within a sample so they can be identified and/or quantified. Gas chromatography (GC) is typically suited to volatile and semi-volatile, thermally stable organic compounds, while liquid chromatography (LC) complements GC by supporting analysis of less volatile, thermally labile and highly polar compounds.
When coupled with detectors such as mass spectrometers (MS), these techniques can provide powerful insight into complex mixtures, contaminants, additives, residues and degradation products.
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), also referred to as size exclusion chromatography (SEC), is particularly valuable for polymer analysis. It provides insight into molecular weight distribution, average molecular weights and dispersity/polydispersity, supporting understanding of polymer quality, consistency and performance.
Whether the requirement is driven by regulation, material selection, production troubleshooting, failure diagnosis or product development, Smithers experts draw on extensive technical knowledge and analytical capability to provide practical, client-focused support.
Smithers has also invested in modern GC-MS and HPLC instrumentation, increasing laboratory capacity and strengthening support for clients facing complex rubber, plastic and polymer material challenges.
