Leveraging the Power of FT-NIR Spectroscopy in Polymer Manufacturing

Polymer manufacturing presents inherent challenges for developing analytical methods that can accurately measure both physical and chemical parameters in a fast, non-invasive, and accurate manner with no sample preparation. FT-NIR spectroscopy is a proven method for measuring both chemical and physical properties of polymers. Examples of chemical properties that can be monitored are Acid Number, OH Number, and Amine Value. Examples of physical properties include Density, Melt Flow Index, and Viscosity. There is inherent value from using FT-NIR spectroscopy in the polymer manufacturing process for optimization of resources, final product quality, and cost savings. It can be used from initial raw material ID all the way through the manufacturing process to the final product quality control check. Developments and advancements in software and hardware are shifting the focus from using FT-NIR as a laboratory and bench-top method to a real-time process control tool.

Key webinar takeaways:

• Overview of FT-NIR spectroscopy
• Applications for chemical and physical properties of polymers using FT-NIR spectroscopy
• Benefits of real-time polymer process monitoring, including cost savings, improved product quality, better resource utilization
• Advances in technology that are shifting the use of FT-NIR from the laboratory to process