Rubber, Polymer, & Plastic Testing

Our testing capabilities span the complete range of polymer materials, from basic resins to complex composites. Our experts identify polymer resins, inorganic fillers, stabilizers, colorants, additives, impact modifiers, and other components in your materials. We analyze raw materials through finished products, including medical-grade polymers, packaging materials, and industrial plastics. Our expertise covers thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and custom compounds. From simple polymer identification to complex material characterization, we support all your testing needs across industries. 

We provide comprehensive chemical and physical testing essential for your success, including molecular weight determination, thermal analysis, mechanical properties testing, and chemical composition analysis. From initial material characterization to ongoing quality control, our testing services support every stage of your development cycle. We offer: 

• Chemical analysis and analytical testing 

• Polymer particle analysis 

• Polymer characterization and testing 

• Surface analysis testing 

• Weathering and aging testing 

• Chemical resistance testing 

• Molecular weight determination 

• Chemical bonds and structure analysis 

Plastic and Polymer Testing Services: 

• Chemical Analysis and Analytical Testing for Polymers 

• Good vs. Bad Lot Investigations 

• Polymer Method Development & Validation 

• Non-Routine Testing of Polymers 

• Polymer Particle Analysis & Testing 

• Polymer Coatings Comparability Testing 

• Polymer Surface Analysis Testing 

• Weathering & Aging Testing for Polymers 

• Chemical Resistance Testing 

• Molecular Weight Determination (molecular weight distribution, polydispersity) 

• Chemical Bonds, Molecular Structure, & Composition (Including Crosslink Density) 

• Total Molecular Weight 

• End Group Analysis 

• Co-Polymer Backbone Chemistry, Comonomer Contents/Ratios, Polymer Blends 

• Additive & Resin Identification 

• Plastic Testing for Tensile Strength, Modulus Compression, and Elongation 

• Chemical Family, Including Base Polymer Characterization 

• Polymer and Composite Material Characterization 

• Additive Analysis 

• Antioxidant Testing 

• Color Body Determination 

• Osmometry 

• Total Organic Carbon 

• Determination of Mixture Compositions 

• Evaluation of Product or Material Stability 

Polymer Safety Testing: 

• Quantitation of reproductive toxins including bisphenol-A (BPA) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in polymer materials 

• Bisphenol-A (BPA) Detection and Testing 

• Plasticizers Including Phthalates 

• Characterization of volatile organic compound (VOC) levels 

Polymer Failure Analysis Investigations: 

• Contaminant or Impurity Identification 

• Off-Color & Off-Odor Problems 

• Facility Leaks (Broken PCV or ABS Water Lines, drains, etc.) 

Extractables & Leachables Testing: 

• Plastics Migration Testing & Food Contact Services 

• Packaging Testing 

• Caulk, Sealant, Elastomer Interactions in Clean Rooms and Medical Facilities 

Polymer Medical Support Services: 

• Medical Device Polymer Materials Testing 

• Pharmaceutical Polymer Analysis Including Coatings 

• Polymer Regulatory & Consulting Services 

Polymers & Plastics Physical Testing: 

• Material Hardness 

• Tensile Properties (Strength) 

• Yield Strength, Adhesive Strength 

• Ductility, Compressibility 

• Cross-Sectional Multiple Layer-Film Thickness Analysis 

• Thermal Properties (Crystallinity, Glass Transition, Melting Point, Thermal Expansion) 

Gain access to customized testing protocols using our extensive array of proven analytical techniques like FTIR spectroscopy, chromatography, and thermal analysis. We tailor our methods to your specific requirements, delivering precise results for product development, regulatory compliance, or troubleshooting needs.  

Polymer characterisation and testing: 
Element's plastic testing labs use a wide range of techniques to identify the components of a material, including polymer resins, inorganic fillers, stabilizers, colorants, additives, impact modifiers, and more. Your specific testing needs will be met with tailored processes. Our analysis methods and techniques include: 

• FTIR Spectroscopy 

• Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) 

• Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) 

• Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) 

• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) 

• FID/TCD/ECD 

• Mass Spectrometry (including Pyrolysis) 

• Optical microscopy 

• Optical testing - color, haze, and gloss 

• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) 

• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) 

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) 

• Pyrolysis (MSD) 

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 19F, 29Si) 

• Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy 

• ICP-MS and ICP-OES/AES elemental and trace metal analysis 

• Rheological testing (viscoelastic properties, stress relaxation, melt viscosity, melt flow rate) 

• Physical testing - density and hardness 

• Gas separation and liquid separation techniques for extractables and leachables 

• Microscopy (optical microscopy, stereo microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray microscopy, transmission electron microscopy) 

• Ion chromatography (IC) 

• Wet chemistry, such as Karl Fischer titration 

• Tensile testing (yield, ultimate strength, ultimate elongation, toughness, fracture) 

• Thermal properties testing (glass transition temperature, melting temperature, softening temperature, specific heat, degradation temperature, degradation rate, weight loss, thermal expansion coefficient, crystallinity, crystallization, phase transitions) 

• Mechanical properties testing (yield, ultimate strength, ultimate deformation, toughness, fracture) 

• Flash point measurement 

• Aerosol flammability testing (US, Canadian, EU, and GHS Standards) 

Quality control and regulatory support: 
Partner with our experienced analysts for comprehensive quality control testing and more. Our abilities go beyond reporting to provide scientific research and consultancy services. We help you maintain consistent product quality and meet compliance requirements across medical devices, packaging, and other regulated applications. Our team provides expert guidance through complex regulatory requirements while maintaining the highest standards of quality control. We offer specialized support for: 

• Medical device polymer materials testing 

• Pharmaceutical polymer analysis including coatings 

• Packaging testing and food contact services 

• Polymer safety testing 

• Quantitation of reproductive toxins 

• Characterization of volatile organic compounds 

• Extractables and leachables testing 

• Plastics migration testing 

Our state-of-the-art analytical instruments include:

•  spectroscopy systems (FTIR, NMR, UV-Vis) 
• Chromatography equipment (GC-MS, LC-MS, GPC) 

• Thermal analysis tools (DSC, TGA) 

• Microscopy systems (SEM, TEM, optical) 

• Rheological testing equipment 

• Physical testing instruments for density and hardness 

• Mechanical testing systems for tensile strength and compression 

Our team operates from Life Sciences hubs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find out where your nearest Life Sciences hub is on our Locations Page.