Analysis

Material and Product Analysis

The Smithers Rapra Chemical Analysis Team supports a wide range of industry sectors that include automotive, bioscience, construction, materials recycling, medical device, packaging, petroleum and pharmaceutical. Projects and tests are also conducted for Colleges and Universities, and European and UK Government Agencies (e.g. The Food Standards Agency).

Our UKAS accredited laboratories provide a range of techniques that examine the chemical and physical properties of numerous materials and compounds;
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Finished product testing Compliance with regulatory standards Composition of recycled materials Degradation measurement of waste products Measurement of extractables and leachables

Base Polymers: elastomers, plastics and natural polymers including proteins Compounds: rubbers, thermoplastics and thermosetting formulations Additives: anti-degradants, anti-oxidants, curatives, extenders, fillers and plasticisers Products: adhesives, coatings, composites, inks, lacquers, laminates, plastisols

Smithers Rapra maintains a large reference library of standard materials that can be used to identify the composition of unknown compounds. The principal analytical techniques available within Smithers Rapra are:
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Smithers Rapra provides a range of specialist services and techniques that can be commissioned independently or in combination as a comprehensive consultancy project. Our consultants provide advice and guidance in the selection of materials and in the application of appropriate manufacturing processes Our Analytical Services support the following activities throughout the product life cycle:
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Spectroscopy - (FTIR with ATR and FTIR microscopy, UV/Vis spectrometry, ICP-OES)

Chromatography (GC, GC-MS, GCxGC-MS, GPC, HPLC, LC-MS Quad, LC-MS Trap)

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Thermal (DMTA, DSC, TGA, Thermal Diffusivity) Plus a range of wet chemical techniques, particularly those required by Pharmacopeia

Identification of raw materials Quality control of incoming materials and finished product Analysis of in-process intermediates

Polymer Molecular Weight Characterisation

Smithers Rapra has a long established facility for the measurement of polymer molecular weight distribution by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). These analyses are provided as a commercial service and through direct support to academic research in British Universities. Analyses performed by Smithers Rapra provide many benefits. They are fully documented according to requirements of UKAS or GMP, as appropriate to the study. Test methods are based upon international or national standards, or upon relevant Pharmacopeia. We also undertake new method development and validation to support regulatory requirements.

On completion of work, a detailed report is provided of the tests undertaken and the results obtained. The analysis provided is reliable and comes from an independent, accredited laboratory. At all times, you can be assured of a prompt and professional service.

The Smithers Creed

We are a team of innovative professionals providing high-quality, timely, value-added services to our clients. Our success is achieved through honesty in thought, word, and action toward our clients, fellow employees, communities and suppliers. Ethical conduct and sincerity of purpose make us proud to be part of The Smithers Group.

Smithers Rapra
Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 4NR, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1939 250383 Fax: +44 (0)1939 251118 E-mail: info@rapra.net www.rapra.net