Thermal Analytical Techniques Applied to Formula Investigation of Rubber Products

This is a case study to teach the reengineering of a rubber or plastic part based on analytical science to determine its components. Then with knowledge of the composition to remake the part and develop a new product with a cost advantage. New production procedures were implemented to reduce overall scale up and production costs. Aware of a four component system, this was verified by TGA at 15%w, 41%w, 38%w and 6%w, respectively, at mass loss to 400, 550, 850^oC and the residue. The analytical polymer chemist then determined the chemical functional groups  by FTIR or GC/Mass Spectrometry of each component, searched the industrial literature for identification of a practical  replacement for that component and reformulated the product. The new composite was then tested by DSC, TGA, TMA, physical properties and FTIR for chemical properties to establish a structure -property relationship and test its performance. A number of case studies will aid the development of the in-lab experience to remake a new cost effective rubber or plastic product.