27 Jan Analytical support: Thermo-mechanical and Rheological characterizations
AUTHORS
DATE
February 2026
At SPECIFIC POLYMERS, analytical characterization is a core component of the way we accompany R&D teams, from material development to optimization and final validation.
With more than 20 years of experience in polymer chemistry and materials science, we provide applied analytical services designed to bridge the gap between chemistry, formulation, processing, and final performance.
A comprehensive analytical offering driven by materials R&D expertise
Our laboratories support a wide range of analytical needs, from initial material screening and formulation optimization studies to in-depth physico-chemical characterization and advanced structure–property correlations of final formulations and materials.
Beyond standard analyses, our strength lies in interpreting results in the context of our customer applications.
Strong expertise in thermo-mechanical and rheological characterizations
We place a strong focus on thermal, thermo-mechanical, and rheological characterizations, as these properties are critical for processing, durability, and end-use performance.
Thermal analysis is used to assess glass transition, curing behavior, reaction enthalpy, and thermal stability, providing key insights into formulation robustness and processing conditions
Rheology and flow behavior enable the evaluation of viscosity and viscoelastic properties of polymer melts and solutions/emulsions, as well as gelation behavior, curing kinetics, and processing windows under conditions representative of manufacturing processes.
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis provides a true viscoelastic behavior of materials by quantifying storage and loss moduli as a function of temperature and frequency, supporting the assessment of application range, stability, and mechanical performance
Together, these complementary techniques support reliable structure–property correlations for thermosets, adhesives, coatings, composites, and functional polymers.
2025-2026 investments to strengthen our capabilities
To further enhance our analytical platform, we invested in new equipment in 2025, allowing deeper and more relevant characterization:
- Hot press: enabling the preparation of standardized cured specimens for reliable thermo-mechanical testing
- Torsional rheometer: allowing characterization of cured samples under torsional solicitation, complementary to DMA (3-point bending), and closer to real service conditions
In 2026, we plan to extend our capabilities with the acquisition of a tensile testing machine, providing access to stress–strain data, mechanical strength, ductility, and fracture behavior of materials.
More than analysis, a true R&D partnership
We have also developed other interesting functional styrenic monomers. Firstly, styrene PEG can be used to prepare amphiphilic graft copolymers by free radical polymerization. In addition, lateral PEG chains of different length can be provided. Secondly, cyclocarbonates can be used as crosslinking moieties for synthesis of isocyanate-free polyurethane thermoset materials. Thirdly, imidazole is a functional group of interest in the biomedical field since it can have biophysical interactions with drugs and proteins.
Other articles
SPECIFIC POLYMERS: Accelerating Innovation through Collaborative Projects – 2026 Calls for Proposals
With 23 years of expertise, SPECIFIC POLYMERS drives the transition between latest academic research developments and industrial applications in material chemistry. The company develops tailor-made organic molecules, polymers, resins, and complex formulations to tackle issues linked to sustainability, energy technologies
November 27, 2025
No comment
SPECIFIC POLYMERS expands its portfolio of biobased products with new functional Polyethylene Glycol references
At SPECIFIC POLYMERS, one of our main research focuses is the development of biobased alternatives to innovative specialty products for various application fields. Thanks to our latest R&D achievements, we are now pleased to introduce three new
October 15, 2025
No comment
Phosphorus containing monomers and polymers for enhanced properties
For over 20 years, the research teams at SPECIFIC POLYMERS have been designing and developing phosphorus-containing building blocks, monomers, and polymers that impart unique functionalities to materials, such as enhanced adhesion, metal and inorganic surface chelation, and flame retardancy.
September 9, 2025
No comment
Don’t miss out on the latest SPECIFIC POLYMERS news
Being part of the SPECIFIC POLYMERS community signifies that you will benefit from:
The latest advance on various topics you are interested in
A direct access to a variety of publications & articles
A strategic monitoring of your line of business
Our latest news on innovative products, concepts & solutions
And much more.