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Mai
LE HUY |
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Polymer analysis, expertise, ageing
Manager |
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The Analysis - Expertise - Ageing unit treats the
analysis of the structure - property relationship of polymers with
the physico-chemical approach. The team, composed of 6 engineers and
technicians, plays a part in control operations as well as in applied
research. It helps the clients in understanding the physico-chemical
phenomena, taking place in polymer materials and parts.
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ANALYSIS |
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Identification and physico-chemical analysis
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Identification and
quantitative analysis of the constituents of polymer materials
and parts |
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Characterization of
macromolecular structures |
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Analysis of physico-chemical
changes in materials |
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Study of chemical
mechanisms |
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Environment |
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EXPERTISE |
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Expertise of failure
Revelation of internal stresses in a plastic
part :
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Failure analysis of rubber and plastic
parts |
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Revelation of internal stress in the
plastic and composite parts |
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Simulation of the causes of malfunctioning
(materials, manufacturing, use) |
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AGEING |
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Accelerated
ageing and prediction of service lifetimes
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Heterogeneity of ageing (oxidation
gradient) |
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Simulation of the ageing of polymers
in different conditions: oxidant, thermal, photochemical, radiochemical,
hydrolytic, in liquid or gaseous fluids, under ozone |
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Modelling the long-term behaviour
on the basis of accelerated ageing tests |
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ANALYTICAL
MEANS |
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| Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR)
coupled with a microscope |
Thermal analyses: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA),
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) |
Gas phase chromatography (GC) coupled with specific
detectors: Mass spectrometry (MS), flame ionisation detector
(FID) |
Liquid phase chromatography (HPLC) coupled with UV-visible detectors
and fluorimetry, thin layer chromatography (TLC)
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Ageing chambers: dry air, hot/cold/moist
air cycling, Xenotests, ozone, autoclave, hyperbar
Microtomy, colorimetry, viscosimetry, pHmetry, oxygen index
measurements, UL94 classification... |
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Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled
with X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDS) |
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EXAMPLES
STUDIES PERFORMED |
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Waterproof resin testing
Seat foam analysis
Analysis of hydraulic hoses
Rafter stiffening
Analysis of ocular lenses |
Analysis of the components of the cardiac stimulator
Deterioration of tumble dryer joints
Cracking of connecting to ground pots
Comparison of adhesive masses
Yellowing of bath mats |
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