ChemiLume Analyzer
The phenomenon of chemiluminescence facilitates a rapid technique for quantitative evaluation of thermal oxidative stability in polymers and other organic materials. As an organic material is heated in an oxygen-rich atmosphere, a peak light signal is emitted due to the formation and decay of electronically excited carbonyl groups. During this aging period, materials will emit a detectable amount of light in relationship to the rate of thermal oxidation taking place. By analyzing this chemiluminescence process, information can be obtained about the material's resistance to thermal oxidation, as well as the efficiencies and mode of action of stabilizers. The technique has also been shown to be of use in evaluating the photo oxidative stability of polymers, specifically by quantifying the amount of hydroperoxides formed during the early stages of degradation.
The speed, sensitivity, reproducibility and simplicity of chemiluminescence offers a variety of benefits over techniques such as oven tests, oxygen uptake, DCS (differential scanning calorimetry) and infrared spectrometry. The most impressive benefit is the speed of chemiluminescence testing over the traditional oven aging technique. It offers quantitative information on long term thermal stability in a much shorter time.
The analyzer is computerized for unattended operation and has the capability of simultaneously measuring as many as four specimens. Each of the four cells has an independent photo multiplies tube, temperature control and dual gas flow control. The computer monitors and controls the established parameters of the test while it collects the data for subsequent analysis. The test can be run either dynamically, with heating rates from 1 to 15 deg/min, or isothermally with an upper temperature limit of 250°C.
N/A, 4114 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613. Tel: 773-327-4520; Fax: 773-327-5787.