Microtoming optical-analysis

There is the microtoming optical analysis test. In this procedure thin slices (under 30 tixri) of the plastics are cut from the product at any level and microscopically examined under polarized light transmitted through the sample. Rapid quality and failure analysis examination occurs by this technique. This technique has been used for many years in biological studies and by metallurgists to determine flaws, physical and mechanical properties. Examination can be related to stress patterns, mechanical properties, etc. 

Another technique we used to observe these distributions is scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX). Concentrations of Cyasorb UV 1084, [2-2 -thiobis(4-ter -octylphenolato)-n-butylamine nickel], a nickel-containing UV absorber, were point counted to obtain nickel concentrations along a spherulite diameter. Figure 3 shows results for 1 and 4 wt % additive. This shows a uniform melt concentration, a boundary peak, a lower concentration within the spherulite, and a central dip. The resolution and sensitivity with this technique are poorer than with the optical microscopy. With every method, thin film crystallized samples and microtomed sections of bulk samples gave similar results. 

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