The
Xenemetrix Legacy of Innovation Continues
Plastics,
polymers, and rubber are combined with a number of different
additives to give them properties that are important to many
different markets. These products are commonly analyzed as beads,
pressed or molded into plaques, in its finished form. Here
are a few of the most common uses of XRF for monitoring these
products.
Zinc
in Polystyrene and other polymers
Zinc
Stearate is a common additive in polymers and can be measured
by EDXRF.
Bromine
and Antimony Fire Retardants in Styrofoam and Plastics
Bromine in Styrofoam is a very old EDXRF application,
since XRF is one of the better analytical chemical
methods for Br analysis. Antimony is also added to
many plastic as a fire retardant. Bromine and Antimony
in polymer-based fabrics is another very important
application.
P,
Ca, Ba, Zn in polymers
Other polymers use a combination of stabilizers and lubricants
such as P, Ca, Ba, and Zn that can be measured by EDXRF.
Silicones in polymers
Silicones are popular release agents used in polymers that
can be readily analyzed by EDXRF.
Sulfur in Polyurethane
Sulfur in polyurethane is another existing EDXRF application
that can be done with most types of instruments.
Mg, Al, Si, Fe in Fiberglass
The fibers in fiberglass have glass-like mineral composition.
They can be monitored by EDXRF.
Plastics Compounding
Color, weight, finish, and aging characteristics vary widely
in finished products. Plastics are also often diluted with
cheaper oxides like calcium carbonate to reduce the total
costs. Plastic compounders blend specific mixtures together
to meet a customers needs.
Chlorine in Rubber and Plastic
Chlorine is added to rubber to minimize oxidation. EDXRF
analyzers are commonly used in windshield wiper and tire
manufacturing. Chlorine is added to some plastics as an
antioxidant as well.
Sorting PVC from other Plastics
PET and other polymers are recycled, but even a small amount
of PVC can contaminate the resin. EDXRF is used as part
of a sorting and screening tool, because it can readily
detect PVC by its high chlorine content. |
