Chemical Analytical Testing

    Smithers delivers a complete portfolio of rubber and plastic analyses to support the design and development of medical devices, packaging and delivery mechanisms. Our activities also include work for academia, the EC and UK Government Agencies (e.g. the Food Standards Agency). Smithers Rapra’s UKAS accredited laboratories provide techniques to examine the chemical and physical properties of numerous materials and compounds including:

    • Base polymers e.g. elastomers and thermoplastics
    • Compounds e.g. rubbers, thermoplastics and thermoset formulations
    • Additives e.g. fillers, plasticisers, antidegradants and curatives
    • Polymer based products e.g. adhesives, paints, inks, lacquers, laminate films, plastisols and coatings
    • Manufacturing sector products and components e.g. those used in the automotive, construction, electrical, medical and offshore industries

    Smithers analysis laboratories are used independently for data only projects or combined with other areas of our consultancy services in a comprehensive consultancy project.

    Analytical services typically support the following activities throughout the product lifecycle:

    • Materials selection
    • Product development
    • Compound deformulation/formulation
    • Service life prediction
    • Quality assurance
    • Process improvements
    • Technical specification compliance
    • Failure analysis
    • Forensic investigation
    • Expert witness service