Analytical Services

Penn Color maintains a well-equipped analytical laboratory with resources in chromatography, spectrometry, thermal analysis, flow behavior (rheology) and microscopy. Our analytical testing laboratory customizes its testing methods based on the specific needs of our clients. Our team of experienced scientists pride themselves on keeping up-to-date with the most sophisticated analytical instrumentation, testing methods, and problem- solving techniques.

Penn Color’s analytical chemistry laboratory will work with you to:

• Define and solve manufacturing problems
• Recommend specific testing methods and research protocols
• Provide Metals analysis
• Provide high-quality results and analysis
• Investigate product/process development
• Method Development & Validation
• Product Reverse Engineering (De-formulation)
• Product Development Services
• Quality Control & Failure Analysis
• Chemical Testing & Analysis Services

With an increased focus on customer service, we have formed strong customer relationships worldwide in nearly all industries, including specialty chemicals, polymers, colorants and more. Our broad industrial experience has uniquely positioned our analytical laboratory to provide quick and targeted analytical solutions that are on point for your industry.

Examples of our equipment from our four main categories include:

FLOW BEHAVIOR

AR 2000ex Rheometer

• Characterization of non-Newtonian fluids
• Measurable parameters
  • Dynamic/Relative Viscosity
  • Yield Stress and Strain
  • Loss/Storage Modulus
  • K values

• Multiple geometries available
• Sensitive to 1 nN.m

SPECTROSCOPY

UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer

• Used for method development for HPLC
• Identify additives, anti-oxidants, etc (anything with a double bond, ring structure, or Pi electrons in it)
• Identification of coating by NIR
• Custom method development can be performed to identify and quantify materials
• Quantification of Dye Concentrates

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES Analysis)

• ICP-OES is a trace-level, elemental analysis technique that uses the emission spectra of a sample to identify and quantify the elements present.
  • High sample throughput enabling the efficient analysis of large batches
  • Simultaneous determination of multiple elements in each sample like XRF
  • Large dynamic linear range
  • Low chemical and matrix interference effects.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)

• Identification of organic materials (anything with a dipole moment)
• Custom method development can be performed to identify and quantify materials
• Evaluating upgrading this capability for surface analysis and microscopic analysis

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES Analysis)

• ICP-OES is a trace-level, elemental analysis technique that uses the emission spectra of a sample to identify, and quantify the elements present.
  • High sample throughput enabling the efficient analysis of large batches
  • Simultaneous determination of multiple elements in each sample
  • Complementary analysis to techniques like XRF
  • Large dynamic linear range
  • Low chemical and matrix interference effects.

CHROMATOGRAPHY

Gel Permutation/High Pressure Liquid Chromatography

• Ability to determine the molecular weight of a material, primarily polymer (GPC)
• Identification and quantification of materials soluble in solvent or aqueous system
• Refractive index (RI) and UV detectors

THERMAL ANALYSIS

Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA)

• Thermal Stability
• Decomposition Kinetics
• Activation Energy
• Composition
• Estimated Lifetime
• Oxidative stability
• Moisture and Volatile Content
• Percent Residue (Filler Content)
• Effect of Additives

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

• Melt Point (m.p.)
• Glass Transition (Tg)
• Thermal Stability
• Oxidation Onset
• Cure Onset
• Crystallization
• Polymorphic Transition
• Liquid Crystal
• Protein Denaturation
• Solid-Solid Transition
• Thermal History
• Activation Energy
• Rate Constant