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This Application Note shows the feasibility of NIR spectroscopy for the analysis of density in polyethylene granulates. Compared to the standard method, NIRS analysis shows a lower prediction error when air bubbles are present in PE pellets.

Determination of isocyanates (ASTM D7252) is a challenging procedure due to the reactivity of these organic species with atmospheric moisture, as well as their toxicity. Furthermore, HPLC analysis typically used for this kind of analysis involves sample preparation steps and chemicals, with each measurement taking up to 20 minutes to complete. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a chemical-free and fast solution (under one minute) for determination of isocyanate content.

Alkaline additives in engine lubricants are used to prevent the build-up of acids and as a result, they inhibit corrosion. The total base number (TBN) indicates the amount of basic additives present in samples and thus can be used as a measure for the degradation of the lubricant. The standard test method for TBN in lubricants is potentiometric titration according to ASTM D2896. This method requires the use of toxic reagents involves a labor-intensive cleaning procedure. In contrast to the primary method, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast analytical technique which does not produce any chemical waste and completes the TBN analysis in less than one minute.

Determination of sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), cocamidopropyl betaine (CABP), cocamidopropylamine oxide (CAW), cocamide diethanolamine (DEA), and carbopol in shampoo is a cost- and time-intensive process due to the use of large volumes of chemicals per analysis. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination these parameters in shampoo. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the complete analysis in less than a minute.

This Application describes the determination of moisture, nitrogen, and fat in stool samples using near-infrared spectroscopy. These parameters are of great importance in medical diagnostics.

Identification of individual polymers with FT-IR spectroscopy can be a challenge due to sample inhomogeneity especially when larger sample sizes need to be analyzed. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a reliable and fast solution for the identification of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP). With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows the identification of larger inhomogeneous sample amounts in less than a minute.

Determination of the density of polyethylene (PE) (ASTM D792) is normally a challenging procedure due to reproducibility difficulties. Measurement via FT-IR can be problematic when larger sample sizes must be analyzed due to sample inhomogeneity. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a reliable and fast solution for determination of the density of PE. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows the analysis of larger, inhomogeneous sample sizes of PE in less than a minute.

In the semiconductor industry, thermoset resins combined with fabric or paper are used as an intermediate layer between substrates of printed circuit boards (PCB). These polymer-based sheets (laminates) are chosen depending on thickness and their thermomechanical and electrical characteristics. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast, non-destructive and easy-to-use analytical method which allows the measurement of multiple key quality parameters in less than a minute. The following Application Note describes the determination of the transition time of PCB laminates by NIRS, a parameter correlating with the thickness, glass transition temperature, and tensile strength of the material.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) foils with a PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride) coating are often used for high performance packaging films like pharmaceutical blister packs or in food packaging. In multi-layer blister films, the PVC serves as the thermoformable backbone structure, whereas the PVDC coating acts as a barrier against moisture and oxygen. The Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) and Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) are influenced by the composition and the thickness of the coating. A fast way to monitor PVDC coating thickness is with near-infrared spectroscopy. Results are provided in a few seconds, indicating when adjustments in the polymer production process are necessary.

To monitor the quality of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), it is important to measure the molecular weight during the production process, as this parameter has a significant influence on chemical and mechanical stability as well as fire retardant properties. The standard method to determine PVC molecular weight, defined here as the average weight of the molecules that make up the polymer, is by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). This analytical method is time-intensive and requires trained personnel to perform. Determining the molecular weight of PVC is easier with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS provides results in just a few seconds and can quickly indicate when adjustments to the production process are necessary.are necessary.

Pyrolysis gasoline (Pygas) is a by-product of ethylene production, which contains unwanted conjugated diolefins making it unsuitable as a motor fuel. To overcome this limitation, the olefin content needs to be reduced below 2 mg/g pygas in a selective hydrogenation unit (SHU). The diene value, or maleic anhydride value (MAV), is usually determined by the lengthy Diels-Alder wet chemical method (UOP326-17), requiring highly trained analysts. In contrast to the primary method, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a cost-efficient and fast analytic solution for the determination of diene value in pyrolysis gasoline.

Specialty chemicals have to fulfill multiple quality requirements. One of these quality parameters, which can be found in almost all certificates of analysis and specifications, is the moisture content. The standard method for the determination of moisture content is Karl Fischer titration.This method requires reproducible sample preparation, chemicals, and waste disposal. Alternatively, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) can be used for the determination of moisture content. With this technique, samples can be analyzed without any preparation and without using any chemicals.

The quality control of diesel exhaust fluids (DEF) is key to ensure the optimal catalytic performance and prevent damage to the exhaust system in diesel vehicles. The standard method to determine urea content is measuring the refractive index (ISO 22241-2:2019). The issue is that although this method is fast, it is not as accurate as other methods (e.g., HPLC). This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Liquid Analyzer provides a fast solution with high accuracy for the determination of urea in DEF. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, visible near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy allows for the analysis of diesel exhaust fluids in less than a minute.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a popular natural remedy from the cannabis plant used in many pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic products. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive, making it an appealing option for those who are looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without mind-altering effects. CBD oil is made by extracting the cannabinoid from the plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil (e.g., coconut or hemp seed oil). The standard HPLC method requires 45 minutes to perform by highly trained analysts. In contrast to the primary method, Vis-NIR spectroscopy is a cost-efficient and fast analytical solution for the determination of cannabinoid content in edible oils.

The standard test method for ash content analysis is thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Although TGA is easy to perform, it is time-intensive and requires the use of nitrogen gas. In contrast to the primary method, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast analytical technique which can measure multiple parameters including ash content in polymers within one minute.

Polypropylene (PP) is a general purpose resin widely used in industries such as electronic manufacturing and construction, as well as in packaging materials. PP resins must be melted first in order to be formed into the intended shape, and therefore flow properties are important characteristics which affect the production process. The standard procedure to analyze melt flow rate (MFR) requires a significant amount of work with packing the sample, preheating, and cleaning. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows the analysis of MFR in less than a minute.

Determination of the vinyl content of silicone rubber is a lengthy and challenging process. First, the vinyl groups must be converted to ethylene by reacting with an acid, followed by the determination of the produced ethylene with gas chromatography (GC).This application note demonstrates that Vis-NIR (visible near-infrared) spectroscopy provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for the determination of vinyl content in silicone rubbers. With the DS2500 Solid Analyzer it is possible to obtain results in less than a minute without sample preparation or any chemical reagents.

Safe and fast ethanol determination in hand sanitizers is possible with reagent-free near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS provides reliable results in a few seconds, quickly indicating when adjustments in formulation are necessary.

This application note presents near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as an alternative for bromine number determination in pyrolysis gasoline.

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is able to determine the intrinsic viscosity of rPET in less than one minute without any sample preparation. This Application Note demonstrates that the Metrohm DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) offers users an easier way to perform this analysis without the use of toxic chemicals.

The standard method to determine RON in isomerate is with expensive and maintenance-intensive engines. In contrast to this, the research octane number can also be analyzed by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS provides accurate results within one minute without the need for any sample preparation or chemicals.

Toxic and corrosive chemicals such as p-toluenesulfonyl isocyanate (TSI) and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide are used for the Hydroxyl Number analysis of polyols by titration according to ASTM D4274-16. This application note demonstrates how the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for the determination of the hydroxyl (OH) number of polyols. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of polyols in less than a minute.

Acid Number (AN) analysis of lubricants (ASTM D664) can be a lengthy and costly process due to usage of large amounts of chemicals and required cleaning steps of the analytical equipment between each measurement. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient, fast alternative for the determination of the acid number of lubricants. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of AN in less than a minute.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast, chemical-free analysis method for various quality parameters of chocolate bars without sample preparation. The NIRS solution is easy to use and can be used atline or in a quality control lab.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows the simultaneous determination of sweeteners such as Stevia and sucralose in blends in less than one minute without any chemicals or sample preparation.

This application note discusses an alternative near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy method that can reliably determine all parameters within a minute, even in complex acid mixtures.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast, chemical-free analytical method for the simultaneous analysis of density, water activity, and moisture of green coffee beans.

Monitoring the iodine value in edible oil blends is crucial to produce vegetable oils with the desired properties. This Application Note displays the benefit of using the Metrohm NIRS DS2500 Liquid Analyzer for quality control in food laboratories.

Fast and reliable detection of phosphoric, sulfuric, nitric, and hydrofluoric acids with near-infrared spectroscopy in under one minute.

Typically, cannabis potency testing is performed by HPLC, but the drawback is that it requires chemicals and it is time-consuming. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a preferred method for quantification of THC, CBD and CBG in dried cannabis because it provides results in less than a minute and does not require any chemicals.

Key quality parameters in the food industry include sucrose, glucose, and fructose, and Brix (dissolved sugar content). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows fast simultaneous determination of multiple sugars without chemicals or any sample preparation.

Determination of the diethylene glycol content, isophthalic acid content, intrinsic viscosity (ASTM D4603), and the acid number (AN) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a lengthy and challenging process due to the sample’s limited solubility and the need to use different analytical methods. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination of these parameters in PET. Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of PET in less than one minute without sample preparation or using any chemical reagents.

For lubricant analysis, determination of the Acid Number (ASTM D664), viscosity (ASTM D445), moisture content (ASTM D6304), and color number (ASTM D1500) require the use of multiple analytical technologies and, in part, large volumes of chemicals. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a fast and cost-efficient alternative for the determination of the AN, viscosity, moisture content, and color number of lubricants. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for multi parameter analysis of lubricants in less than one minute.

Functional group and viscosity analysis (ASTM D789) of polyamides can be a lengthy and challenging process due to the sample’s limited solubility. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination of the intrinsic viscosity as well as the amine, carboxylic, and moisture content in polyamides. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of polyamides in less than a minute.

The cetane index (ASTM D613), flash point (ASTM D56), cold filter plug point (CFPP) (ASTM D6371), D95 (ISO 3405), and viscosity at 40°C (ISO 3104) are key parameters to determine for diesel quality. The primary test methods are labor intensive and challenging due to the need to use different analytical methods. This application note demonstrates that the NIRS XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer provides a cost-efficient and fast solution (under 1 minute) for the simultaneous determination of these key parameters in diesel.

The determination of key quality parameters of reformate—namely research octane number (RON, ASTM D2699-19), aromatic content (ASTM D5769-15), benzene content, olefin content, and density—requires time-consuming and laborious conventional methods. In contrast, the Metrohm DS2500 Liquid Analyzer can measure all of these parameters, providing results within one minute without any sample preparation.

Conventional methods used to analyze moisture, ash, fixed carbon, and volatile content in coal samples, are time consuming and costly. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is excellently suited to determine all parameters simultaneously in less than one minute without any sample preparation.

In recent years, there has been a significant push to reduce the environmental impacts of fuels through improvements to fuel quality. The determination of key quality parameters of gasoline, namely research octane number (RON, ASTM D2699-19), motor octane number (MON, ASTM D2700-19), anti knock index (AKI), aromatic content (ASTM D5769-15), and density, conventionally requires several different analytical methods, which are laborious and need trained personnel. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer, operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR), provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for the multiparameter analysis of gasoline.

Determination of key quality parameters of palm oil, namely free fatty acids (FFA), iodine value (IV), moisture content, deterioration of bleachability index (DOBI), and carotene require the use of several different analytical methods, which are laborious and can lack in accuracy. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for the determination of these quality control parameters in palm oil. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of palm oil in less than a minute and can be used by anyone.

The synthetic rubber known as Bromobutyl (BIIR) has many of the attributes of butyl rubber, but has better adhesion to other rubbers and metals, resulting in substantially faster cure rates. The simultaneous quantification of the bromine content, Mooney viscosity, volatile content, calcium stearate content, and functional bromide in BIIR can be easily performed with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) without the use of chemicals.

Cell fermentation processes are a reliable production method for small molecules and protein-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The fermentation process requires monitoring of many different parameters to ensure optimal production. These quality parameters include pH, bacterial content, potency, glucose, and concentration of reducing sugars. Traditional laboratory analysis takes a significant amount of time and requires different analytical techniques to monitor these different quality parameters. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a faster and more cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods for the determination of critical parameters in fermentation broths at any stage of the fermentation process.

Brix, Pol, juice purity, reducing sugars, and total recoverable sugars are some of the many quality control (QC) parameters that must be analyzed in sugarcane juice. An alternative to other analytical methods is near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS allows the fast, simultaneous determination of several QC constituents without chemicals or sample preparation.

The production of biofuels from renewable feedstock has grown immensely in the past several years. Bioethanol is one of the most interesting alternatives for fossil fuels, since it can be produced from raw materials rich in sugars and starch. Ethanol fermentation is one of the oldest and most important fermentation processes used in the biotechnology industry. Although the process is well-known, there is a great potential for its improvement and a proportional reduction in production costs. Due to the seasonal variation of feedstock quality, ethanol producers to need to monitor the fermentation process to ensure the same quality product is achieved. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers rapid and reliable prediction of ethanol content, sugars, Brix, lactic acid, pH, and total solids at any stage of the fermentation process.

This application note presents near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the rapid and reliable simultaneous quantification of ethanol, glycerol, hydrogen peroxide, and water content in hand sanitizer formulations.

Moisture content is one of the most commonly measured properties of fertilizers. Globally, regulations for different fertilizers vary, but local legal limits ensure that the maximum amount of water must not be exceeded. Next to gravimetric methods, Karl Fischer titration is often used for accurate moisture determination.Compared to these methods, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers unique advantages: it generates reliable results within seconds, and at the same time does not create chemical waste. This Application Note explains how NIRS can offer fast, reagent-free analysis of moisture content in various fertilizer products.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a linear polymer, used in a variety of medical products (e.g. eye drops). Here, the degree of alcoholysis is an important index for the water solubility, viscosity, and adhesion of the product. The degree of alcoholysis is defined as the percentage of hydroxyl functional groups compared to the total functional groups accessible in the molecule. Conventional alcoholysis determination can take up to six hours per sample. Compared to the primary method, analysis with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) only takes one minute. The following application note describes the determination of the degree of alcoholysis by NIRS.

Caprolactam is an important polymer used for the production of Nylon 6, which is the base material for industrial fibers. Due to its commercial significance, many different synthesis methods have been developed over the years. Caprolactam is hygroscopic and water soluble, therefore it is important to have a reliable analysis technique for water determination. Analyzing the water content by conventional methods requires each sample to be weighed, dissolved, heated, and titrated. Compared to the primary method, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers unique advantages: it generates reliable results within seconds, but it does not need any sample preparation nor does it create chemical waste.

This Process Application Note provides a detailed account of the inline assessment of moisture during a pilot scale granulation process using a 2060 The NIR Analyzer.