| Polymers Main Page > Research Area 2003 > Characterization & Measurement Group | |
Characterization & Measurement Group |
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| The Characterization and Measurement Group provides standards, reference data, and measurements needed by industry, government agencies, and the scientific and technical communities for synthesis, processing and use of polymeric materials. Activities include developing new measurement techniques, data analysis algorithms, and theoretical models to support polymer materials characterization, quality control, process development, and performance. The group works closely with the other groups in the Polymers Division by providing technical support for ongoing programs throughout the division | |
| Research focuses on improved methods for determining molecular architecture and microstructure of polymers. Recent program activities exploit advances in mass spectrometry using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) to develop the method as a primary tool for determining the molecular mass distribution (MMD) of synthetic polymers, with particular emphasis on commercially important polyolefins. The MMD has a dramatic effect on processibility and properties of polymers. Expertise is maintained in traditional methods of determining MMD, or moments of MMD, including light scattering, chromatography, NMR and infrared spectroscopy. | |
| Advances are sought in measurements of solid-state structure of polymers, including optical coherent tomography (OCT), inelastic neutron scattering, and sum frequency generation spectroscopy. Mechanical properties and performance are significantly affected by the solid-state structure formed during processing. Importantly, unlike many other common engineering materials, polymers exhibit mechanical properties with time dependent viscoelastic behaviors. As a result, the program also focuses on techniques that measure the solid-state structure and rheological behavior of polymeric materials. | |
| The polymer industry and standards organizations assist in the identification of current needs for standard reference materials. Based on these needs, research on characterization methods and measurements are conducted leading to the certification of standard reference materials. Molecular standards are used primarily for calibration of gel permeation chromatographs, the principal method employed by industry for assessing molecular mass and molecular mass distributions. Melt flow standards are used in the calibration of instruments used to determine processing conditions for thermoplastics. Non-Newtonian rheological standards are also developed to exhibit the typical polymeric behaviors of shear thinning and normal stresses; these standards are also used for calibration of rheological instruments and for research into improved measurement methods. Reference biomaterials are produced for test method harmonization, assessment of new materials and generation of reference data. | |
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| NIST Materials Science & Engineering Laboratory - Polymers Division |
| Research Area 2003 | |
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Characterization & Measurement |
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Electronics Materials |
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Biomaterials |
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Processing Characterization |
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Multivariant Measurement Methods |
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