Polymer testing is an extremely important part of plastic product development. Additives, contaminants, and a wide range of environments can all drastically affect the performance of a polymer-based product. Understanding how and why your polymer product will be affected in as many conditions as possible is crucial to ensuring quality and suitability for the product’s intended application.
ESCA Blog Posts & Resources
Evaluating Corona Treatment of Polymers with Electron Spectroscopy Chemical Analysis
The right surface can make all the difference. This is especially true when affixing a polymer to another material during manufacturing. Using corona or plasma treatment modifies the surface of materials such as polymers, metalized surfaces, foils, and paperboard stocks, allowing better adhesion between materials. Determining the ideal settings for the plasma treatment can take […]
Product Quality Control Testing for Manufactured Products
Imagine opening a can of your favorite soft drink, only to find it tastes different than usual. And then the next one is even farther from the original flavor. Can after can, there’s no consistency — some are more carbonated, some less sweet, and at least one makes you feel sick to your stomach. How […]
How X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy/ESCA Works
X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), also referred to as Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) is a surface analysis technique that provides quantitative and chemical state information about a sample material’s surfaces and interfaces. XPS is an incredibly flexible, sensitive, and efficient analysis technique with applications across a broad range of organic and inorganic materials. Because […]
How to Analyze XPS Data: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve ever sent a sample in for surface analysis, there’s a good chance that you’re already familiar with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS is a surface analysis technique with multiple applications, and is widely used across numerous industries. Also referred to as electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), XPS analysis is suitable for a […]
The Advantages and Disadvantages of X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS/ESCA)
Pop quiz, quality control specialists and product developers. Which is a better surface analysis method: X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) or Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA)? The answer? Trick question. XPS spectroscopy and ESCA are actually the same technique. But fun and games aside, this materials testing method has wide ranging applications as an effective […]
Plastics Analysis: 4 Examples of Materials Testing Techniques in Action
For decades, plastics have become increasingly ubiquitous within our daily lives, serving as an essential packaging material and product ingredient. But despite the years of use, and countless hours spent perfecting a plastic’s chemical makeup and manufacturing process, failure or malfunction happens—whether it be through human error or an equipment misfire on the production line. […]
What Manufacturers Should Do if They Suspect Product Contamination
Every manufacturer knows that the risk of product contamination is present at every stage of the production process. From improper removal of cleaning agents to dirty production lines, product contamination can not only cause costly production delays, but also more serious consequences such as expensive product recalls and bad PR if the contaminant isn’t found […]
What’s the Difference Between ESCA/XPS Analysis and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES)?
All manufacturers strive to produce the highest quality products for their customers. As a result, materials testing services from a materials testing lab like Innovatech Labs are frequently used to ensure that product quality. Materials testing can uncover the causes of product failures, identify contaminants or toxins, and also determine the chemical composition of samples. […]
What’s That Stain? Materials Testing Can Give You Answers
Learn about the different materials testing techniques that can be used to identify stains and contaminants on manufactured products.
