Polymer Identification Services for Plastics, Rubbers & Composites

Using the wrong type of plastic for a particular product can be an expensive and sometimes dangerous mistake to make. Although many plastics may look and feel the same, particularly before moulding, using a material which is either the wrong polymer type or has been incorrectly formulated may result in catastrophic failure.

At iPolytech, we apply a targeted suite of analytical techniques to accurately identify the generic type of polymer materials. This process typically involves determining the presence and nature of chemical functional groups, as well as characterizing thermal properties such as melting point or softening temperature. These insights are essential for verifying material composition, assessing performance characteristics, and supporting quality assurance or failure analysis.

We routinely employ the following advanced methods:

  • Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR & IR Micro-Spectroscopy) Used to detect specific chemical bonds and functional groups, enabling precise identification of polymer types—even in small or heterogeneous samples.
  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Measures thermal transitions such as melting, crystallization, and glass transition temperatures, providing insight into polymer structure and purity.
  • Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) Evaluates thermal stability and composition by monitoring weight changes during controlled heating, useful for detecting fillers, additives, and degradation profiles.
  • Optical Microscopy (Polarised Light & Hot-Stage) Enables visual examination of morphology, crystallinity, and phase transitions, supporting material classification and defect analysis.

Plastic and rubber components frequently incorporate a range of additives to enhance performance, facilitate processing, or meet specific application requirements. Common additives include fillers, pigments, flame retardants, plasticisers, and stabilisers—each playing a critical role in defining the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of the final product. Precise control and verification of these additives are essential to ensure long-term service reliability and regulatory compliance.


At iPolytech, our chemical analysis laboratory employs advanced techniques to rapidly identify both the base polymer type and the additive package present in commercial polymer grades. This enables us to:

  • ✅ Verify material compliance against technical specifications and procurement standards
  • ♻️ Characterize recyclate stock, including mixed or unknown polymer blends
  • ⚠️ Detect and quantify contaminants in raw materials or finished products
  • 🔥 Assess degradation mechanisms due to thermal, chemical, or environmental exposure
  • 📊 Benchmark competitor materials for comparative performance or reverse engineering


Our analytical toolkit includes infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and complementary chemical profiling methods—ensuring accurate, actionable results across diverse polymer systems.