Chemical analysis of plastics and polymers
The chemical analysis of plastics and polymers is a fundamental service for understanding in detail the composition, behavior, and quality of these materials, which are widely used in sectors such as automotive, packaging, construction, and electronics. These sectors are closely linked to regulatory requirements and the sustainability of polymers, emphasizing the importance of quantification and compliance with spec standards.
At INFINITIA, we provide companies with an industrial laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a multidisciplinary team of specialists working on the characterization and validation of plastics and polymer compounds, as well as their chemical properties.
Thanks to our scientific and applied approach, we support both innovation in the development of new products and the resolution of issues, surface defects, failure analysis in manufacturing processes, as well as compliance with international standards.
What does polymer chemical analysis consist of?
Polymer chemical analysis involves the application of advanced analytical techniques to determine the composition, structure, and behavior of plastic materials at a molecular level. This study makes it possible not only to identify the base polymer, but also to characterize additives, fillers, contaminants, and degradation products that directly influence their properties and performance in service.
At INFINITIA, tests are carried out focused on material identification, specification verification, comparative analysis between samples (OK/NOK), and detection of deviations in production processes. This approach allows correlating chemical composition with material behavior, facilitating industrial problem-solving and informed technical decision-making.
Techniques such as FTIR are used for the identification of molecular bonds and functional groups, GC-MS for the analysis of volatile organic compounds and residues, and DSC and TGA to evaluate the thermal behavior and stability of materials under different conditions of use.
Additionally, methodologies such as NIR are integrated for rapid plastic classification in recycling processes, and SEM-EDX for microstructure and elemental composition analysis. The combination of these techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared and thermogravimetry, provides a comprehensive understanding of the material and its industrial applicability.
Benefits and advantages of chemical analysis in plastics and compounds
The chemical analysis of plastics and polymers ensures material quality and safety through precise identification of composition and detection of possible contaminants or deviations. This is essential to ensure that products meet technical requirements and perform reliably under real operating conditions.
Furthermore, this type of analysis enables the optimization of formulations and production processes by adjusting the use of additives and raw materials, while also identifying the composition of the final products. As a result, material performance is improved and costs associated with failures, reprocessing, or unnecessary over-specification are reduced, contributing to polymer sustainability.
At INFINITIA, this service is applied in projects focused on regulatory compliance, such as REACH or ROHS, by evaluating the presence of restricted substances, emissions, and migrations. This approach allows companies to ensure product compliance and minimize regulatory risks in international markets, guaranteeing material and product quality.
In addition, chemical analysis plays a key role in the validation of recycled plastics, enabling the identification of contaminants and verification of their suitability for industrial applications. In this way, it contributes to improved material traceability and supports the transition toward more sustainable production models aligned with the circular economy, as well as product certification, particularly for biodegradable plastics.
Polymer chemical analysis at INFINITIA: equipment and applied approach
At INFINITIA, the chemical analysis of plastics and polymers is approached from an applied engineering perspective, where material characterization is integrated with technical interpretation of results, including polymer analysis. The laboratory combines advanced analytical equipment with expertise in forensic engineering, enabling not only the identification of sample composition but also the understanding of behavior and potential failure modes.
This approach makes it possible to detect contamination, evaluate degradation, and correlate material chemistry with real issues in service or production processes. Based on this data, improvements can be proposed in formulations, process adjustments, or material selection criteria tailored to each application.
Additionally, work is carried out under structured quality control and regulatory validation procedures, adapting tests to the specific requirements of each sector, such as automotive, packaging, or food-contact applications. This ensures that results are relevant and applicable in real industrial environments, particularly through the analysis techniques employed to identify unknown material properties.
As a result, companies benefit from technical support that goes beyond analysis, providing expertise and diagnostic capability to anticipate problems, reduce risks, and improve product reliability before market introduction.
Types of chemical analysis of plastics and polymers in industrial materials
At INFINITIA, different chemical analysis tests for plastics and polymers are developed to precisely characterize their composition, structure, and behavior under real operating conditions. These studies identify not only the base polymer but also additives, fillers, contaminants, and potential degradation products, providing a complete understanding of the material from both functional and industrial perspectives.
The objective of these analyses is to facilitate appropriate material selection, optimize performance, and ensure durability throughout the product lifecycle. Through the combination of complementary analytical techniques, tests can be adapted to specific needs, whether in development, validation, quality control, or failure analysis stages.
Polymer characterization, chemical composition, and molecular structure
Composition and chemical structure tests allow the identification of elements, compounds, and additives present in a polymer, as well as their molecular organization and molecular weight distribution. This type of analysis is essential to understand material behavior, as small variations in formulation can lead to significant changes in mechanical, thermal, or chemical properties.
Techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are used to identify characteristic functional groups, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for detecting organic compounds and monomer residues, and elemental analysis using SEM-EDX to provide information on inorganic composition. The combination of these techniques enables a comprehensive characterization of the polymer.
At INFINITIA, these tests are applied both in unknown material identification and formulation validation. For example, FTIR has been used to detect undeclared additives in technical polymers for automotive applications, preventing incompatibilities in production processes and improving component reliability.
Advanced microscopy and morphological analysis of polymeric materials
Microscopy and morphological analysis tests allow the study of polymer properties and microstructure, identifying defects, heterogeneities, inclusions, or phase distribution variations. This type of analysis is essential to correlate internal structure with service behavior and physical properties.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) is one of the most widely used analytical techniques, as it provides high-resolution images while simultaneously analyzing elemental composition in specific areas. This is particularly useful for detecting contamination, evaluating interfaces, or analyzing localized failures using chemical analysis of polymers and combustion methods.
At INFINITIA, these tests are commonly used in failure analysis. In a plastic packaging case, SEM-EDX enabled the identification of contaminant particles responsible for production line defects, facilitating process correction and preventing associated economic losses.
Thermal analysis of polymers, stability evaluation and material properties
Thermal testing evaluates how a polymer behaves under temperature variations, providing key information about its stability and operating range. This type of analysis is especially relevant in applications where materials are exposed to demanding thermal conditions, such as thermoset polymers.
Common techniques include differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which identifies transitions such as glass transition or melting temperature, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which evaluates material degradation as a function of temperature and its impact on rheological properties. These methodologies help anticipate failures related to overheating or thermal aging, extending component lifespan.
At INFINITIA, thermal tests are used in both development and validation stages. For example, in electronic applications, DSC and TGA have been used to verify that certain resins maintain structural integrity at elevated temperatures, ensuring reliability under real operating conditions.
Migration, purity, and chromatographic analysis
Migration and purity tests are based on chromatographic techniques such as GC-MS and HPLC, allowing the analysis of volatile compounds, monomer residues, and potential substance migration from materials to their environment. This type of analysis, including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, is critical in applications involving contact with food, pharmaceuticals, or the human body.
These tests enable the detection of potentially hazardous substances, assessment of compliance with regulatory limits, and assurance of product safety. They are also essential for studying chemical degradation processes, compound release over time, and the effects of individual components.
At INFINITIA, techniques such as HPLC have been used to quantify the migration of plasticizers in food-contact materials, ensuring compliance with regulations. These studies help companies validate their products and reduce regulatory risks associated with the properties of polymer materials.
Rapid identification of plastics and classification for recycling
Rapid identification and classification tests are designed for efficient detection and separation of different types of plastics, particularly in recycling and circular economy environments. These techniques enable fast, non-destructive material analysis for industrial sorting processes, ensuring that the material properties meet required specifications.
Near-infrared (NIR) technology is widely used, as it allows the identification of different polymers based on their spectral response. This is especially useful in recycling lines, where materials must be separated quickly and accurately to ensure reuse and compliance with standards such as ISO or ASTM, while also quantifying the composition of materials.
At INFINITIA, this methodology is applied in the validation of recycled materials, ensuring they meet the requirements for reintegration into production processes. This contributes to improved traceability, reduced cross-contamination, and the advancement of more sustainable production models.
Applications of chemical analysis of plastics and polymers in industrial sectors
The chemical analysis of plastics and polymers is applied across multiple industrial sectors where material reliability, regulatory compliance, and durability are critical. It supports material selection, process validation, and early detection of deviations before they impact the final product.
This type of analysis is integrated throughout development, manufacturing, and operation stages, providing key data for technical decision-making and sample preparation. Advanced techniques enable the identification of contamination, evaluation of degradation, and verification that materials meet industry-specific requirements.
Automotive polymer chemical analysis: material validation under demanding thermal and chemical conditions
In the automotive sector, polymer materials are exposed to severe conditions of temperature, vibration, and chemical exposure, which can accelerate degradation processes and affect component reliability. Variability in formulations or raw materials may lead to failures impacting product safety and durability.
- Thermal and mechanical demands: Plastic components exposed to thermal cycles, vibrations, and impacts require rigorous validation.
- Interior emissions: Control of volatile organic compounds (VOC) is necessary to ensure cabin air quality.
- Use of recycled materials: Integration of recycled polymers requires comparison with virgin materials to ensure performance and quantification of their chemical nature.
Chemical analysis enables validation of plastic housings, emission evaluation, and material comparison, supporting proper material selection and reducing risks in production and service.
Food and packaging polymer chemical analysis: chemical safety and migration control
In packaging, plastic materials must ensure product safety and maintain their properties throughout the lifecycle. Interaction between material and contents may lead to migration or degradation affecting food safety.
- Migration control: Evaluation of plasticizers, monomers, and additives that may transfer to food.
- Thermal processes: Validation under sterilization, pasteurization, or freezing conditions.
- Barrier properties: Analysis of permeability to oxygen, moisture, and external agents.
Chemical analysis ensures regulatory compliance, validates food-contact materials, and optimizes performance under real conditions.
Medical device polymer chemical analysis: purity control, biocompatibility and stability
Polymeric materials used in medical devices must meet strict requirements for safety, biocompatibility, and stability. Residual chemicals or material degradation can compromise device functionality.
- High regulatory requirements: Compliance with strict standards for materials in contact with the human body.
- Sterilization processes: Evaluation of thermal and chemical treatments on polymers.
- Contaminant control: Identification of residues, additives, and impurities using analytical techniques.
Chemical analysis validates medical materials, detects contamination, and ensures stability after sterilization processes.
Electronics and energy polymer chemical analysis: thermal stability and insulation in encapsulants
In electronic and energy applications, thermoplastic polymers act as encapsulants, insulators, or structural materials, where thermal and electrical stability is critical.
- Demanding thermal conditions: Exposure to high temperatures and continuous thermal cycling that may accelerate oxidation and degradation.
- Dielectric properties: Requirement for electrical insulation and functional stability.
- Material aging: Progressive degradation affecting performance can be quantified through advanced measurement techniques.
Chemical and thermal analysis enables validation of encapsulants, dielectric stability assessment, and aging studies to ensure system reliability.
Construction polymer chemical analysis: durability against environmental exposure and aggressive agents
Plastic materials in construction are exposed to severe environmental conditions such as UV radiation, humidity, and chemical agents, which can cause degradation and property loss.
- Environmental exposure: Solar radiation, humidity, and contaminants affecting material stability.
- Mechanical resistance: Need to maintain structural properties over time.
- Chemical exposure: Interaction with aggressive agents in the environment.
Chemical analysis enables evaluation of aging, material validation, and long-term performance assurance in construction applications.
Recycling and sustainability polymer chemical analysis: validation and quality control of recycled plastics
In the circular economy context, recycled plastics require strict control of composition and quality. Contaminants or uncontrolled mixtures can limit their reuse in industrial applications.
- Material classification: Rapid identification of polymers for proper separation.
- Contaminant control: Detection of unwanted substances, including volatile organic compounds.
- Reuse validation: Evaluation of properties for reintegration into production processes.
Chemical analysis ensures traceability of recycled materials, validates their use in new applications, and improves sustainability in industrial processes.
INFINITIA as a strategic partner in polymer and plastic chemical analysis
The chemical analysis of plastics and polymers has become an essential tool in modern industry, enabling precise characterization of material composition and behavior. Through techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, microscopy, and thermal analysis, it is possible not only to ensure product quality but also to anticipate failures and optimize performance under real service conditions.
In sectors such as automotive, packaging, medical devices, electronics, construction, and recycling, having detailed information about polymers is critical to ensuring product reliability and regulatory compliance. Lack of control over composition or the presence of contaminants can lead to durability issues, safety risks, or market rejection, especially when polymerization is not properly monitored.
INFINITIA approaches this type of analysis from an applied engineering perspective, combining advanced analytical capabilities with expertise in forensic engineering. This approach enables not only material characterization but also interpretation of results in terms of behavior, identification of failure mechanisms, and proposal of improvements in materials or processes, covering everything from quality control to regulatory validation under frameworks such as REACH, ROHS, or FDA.
Furthermore, the ability to analyze recycled materials and detect contamination facilitates the integration of sustainability criteria into product development. In this context, chemical analysis becomes a key tool for advancing toward circular economy models, providing objective data that supports technical decision-making with reduced uncertainty and greater industrial impact.
Frequently asked questions about chemical analysis of plastics and polymers
What does chemical analysis of plastics and polymers involve?
Chemical analysis of plastics and polymers involves applying advanced analytical techniques to determine the composition, structure and behaviour of plastic materials at a molecular level. It allows the base polymer to be identified, as well as characterising additives, fillers, contaminants and degradation products that directly influence the material’s properties and performance in service.
At Infinitia, we carry out tests focused on material identification, specification verification, comparative analysis between samples (OK/NOK) and detection of deviations in production processes. This approach correlates chemical composition with material behaviour, supporting well-founded technical decisions and effective resolution of industrial problems.
What techniques are used to analyse the chemical composition of a polymer?
The choice of technique depends on the type of material, the level of detail required and the nature of the problem. There is no single universal technique: each method has different sensitivity and applicability.
- FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy): identifies functional groups and the base polymer. The benchmark technique for rapid plastics identification.
- GC-MS (gas chromatography / mass spectrometry): detects volatile organic compounds, monomer residues and contaminants.
- DSC and TGA (thermal analysis): evaluate thermal behaviour, glass transition temperature, melting point and heat stability.
- SEM-EDX (scanning electron microscopy): morphological analysis and elemental composition of specific areas, defects or inclusions.
- HPLC: quantification of additives, plasticisers and substance migration.
- NIR (near-infrared spectroscopy): fast, non-destructive classification of plastics, particularly useful in recycling.
At Infinitia, we combine these techniques to address each case with the most representative method, avoiding unnecessary tests. You can find more detail on our analysis of unknown substances page.
What is the difference between basic identification and full characterisation of a polymer?
Basic identification determines the type of polymer using FTIR or NIR and answers the question: what material is this? It is useful for quick checks or classification in recycling processes.
Full characterisation goes much further: it includes identification of the base polymer, quantification of additives and fillers, thermal behaviour analysis (DSC, TGA), morphological study by SEM-EDX and, where applicable, migration or chemical stability tests. This comprehensive approach is key in failure mode studies, regulatory validation or reverse engineering, where a standalone identification result does not answer the client’s actual technical question.
When is it necessary to carry out a chemical analysis of a plastic or polymer?
Chemical analysis of a plastic is necessary whenever there is uncertainty about the composition, quality or in-service behaviour of the material. The most common scenarios are: detection of failures or defects in plastic parts, verification of raw materials against specification, qualification of new suppliers, suspicion of material substitution or adulteration, and compliance with regulations such as REACH or RoHS.
It is also essential in new product development, validation of recycled plastics and detection of contaminants in materials in contact with food or medical applications. At Infinitia, we address these cases both as standalone projects and as part of broader quality control and testing processes or prospecting and validation of suppliers.
Why does a plastic component fail when it apparently meets the specification?
Because specifications define a range of composition and properties, not fixed values. Within that range there can be variations in additive formulation, undeclared impurities or batch-to-batch differences that affect how the material actually behaves in service.
Furthermore, two parts made from the same base polymer can have different microstructures depending on the transformation process (injection moulding, extrusion, moulding temperature), which affects durability, chemical resistance or behaviour under accelerated ageing. That is why at Infinitia we combine chemical analysis with morphological characterisation and property testing to reach the true root cause of the failure. See our root cause diagnosis service.
Can polymers from different suppliers be compared, or a competitor's formulation identified?
Yes. Comparative polymer analysis is one of the most in-demand applications in industrial environments. It allows differences in base polymer, additive type and concentration, fillers or impurities to be identified between apparently equivalent materials, with a direct impact on performance, durability and cost.
This approach is common in the qualification of alternative suppliers, cost reduction while maintaining performance and industrial benchmarking. At Infinitia, we have applied it, for example, to characterise the formulation of competitors’ cookware and identify improvement opportunities in our client’s own product, within reverse engineering for product development projects.
How does chemical analysis of polymers help comply with REACH, RoHS and other regulations?
Chemical analysis of polymers is the primary tool for verifying the presence or absence of restricted substances under regulations such as REACH (SVHC substances), RoHS (heavy metals, halogenated flame retardants), FDA (migration in food contact) or vehicle interior emissions standards.
Working with a specialist external technical partner makes it possible to quantify contaminants using GC-MS, HPLC and ICP-MS and verify that levels are below regulatory limits, generating technically supported reports for audits or certifications. This service integrates with our material qualification tests and with detection of counterfeit components when the context requires it.
Which industrial sectors benefit most from chemical analysis of plastics?
Chemical analysis of plastics and polymers has critical applications across multiple sectors. The most common in Infinitia’s projects are:
- Automotive: validation of plastic components against thermal cycles, vibrations and VOC control in interiors.
- Packaging: verification of migration, barrier properties and compliance in food contact applications.
- Medical devices: purity control, biocompatibility and stability after sterilisation.
- Electronics: thermal and dielectric stability of encapsulants and insulators.
- Construction: durability against UV radiation, moisture and chemical agents, complemented by solar and UV radiation testing on materials.
- Recycling: classification and validation of recycled polymers for reintegration into industrial processes, supported by biodegradability, compostability, and recyclability testing.
See more cases in works done.
How is substance migration analysed in plastics in contact with food or pharmaceuticals?
Migration analysis in plastics in contact with food or pharmaceuticals involves exposing the material to simulants representing the actual product (aqueous, acidic, fatty or alcoholic) under controlled conditions of time and temperature, then quantifying the transferred substances by HPLC or GC-MS.
This type of test is mandatory for the commercialisation of food packaging under Regulation (EC) 10/2011 and equivalent standards. At Infinitia, we have quantified the migration of plasticisers in packaging materials, verifying regulatory compliance and reducing the client’s regulatory risk. It is typically complemented by chemical resistance testing and the food analysis laboratory when the context requires it.
What information does thermal analysis (DSC and TGA) provide on a polymer?
Thermal analysis of a polymer provides key information about its identity, quality and in-service behaviour. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) allows the glass transition temperature (Tg), melting point and contamination or undeclared polymer blends to be identified. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analyses material degradation as a function of temperature, quantifying inorganic filler content, volatile additives and overall thermal stability.
Together, DSC and TGA allow failures associated with overheating, thermal ageing or incorrect formulations to be anticipated. At Infinitia, we have used these techniques to verify that certain resins used in electronics maintained their structural integrity at elevated temperatures, ensuring reliability under real operating conditions. It integrates within our physical properties analysis when a more complete view of the material is required.
How much does a chemical analysis of plastics and polymers cost?
The cost depends on three main factors: the analytical technique used (FTIR, GC-MS, DSC/TGA, SEM-EDX, HPLC…), the number and type of samples, and the scope of the study (identification of the base polymer only, or full characterisation including additives, thermal behaviour and migration tests).
A quick FTIR identification is very different from a combined GC-MS + DSC + SEM-EDX study for root cause analysis of a production failure. At Infinitia, we always scale the analysis to the actual technical objective, avoiding unnecessary tests and optimising the cost-to-value ratio. If you would like an estimate tailored to your case, contact us and we will send you a technical and commercial proposal with no obligation.
How long does it take to get results from a polymer analysis?
Standard turnaround times typically range from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the technical complexity of the study: a straightforward characterisation sits at the lower end, while studies combining multiple techniques, migration tests or regulatory validation fall at the upper end.
For projects with operational urgency, there is an express quotation option that makes it possible to obtain results within 24–72 hours. In those cases, we prioritise the critical tests to deliver actionable results as quickly as possible, completing the detailed characterisation afterwards if the project requires it. This approach is common when we handle preventive failure analyses with a direct impact on the production line.
