NIRS XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer
A NIRS XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer was equipped with 4 mm NIRS quartz cuvette with a screw top to generate the spectral data in true transmission mode.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a powerful tool to determine the hydroxyl number of liquid polyols. It is a fast alternative to standard lab methods in quality control at the polyol producer and at the end-user.
The traditional laboratory analysis (titration of the hydroxyl end groups) is time consuming and difficult to handle.
Polyols
Polyols are long-chain polymers, which can be produced through reaction involving organic oxides, acids, and multi-functional alcohols. Uses for the polymeric material include polyurethanes, surfactants, paint additives, adhesives, and foams. The particular use of the polymer is dependent on the molecular weight of the polyol product (which is proportional to the hydroxyl number of a given amount of polyol).
Hydroxyl number (number of mg of KOH equivalent to 1 mg of polyol as a measure of free hydroxyl groups) is the typical measure for determination of molecular weight for polyols.
Time consuming traditional method
The laboratory analysis (according to ASTM E1899-08 or ISO 14900) involves titration of the hydroxyl end groups, which is time consuming and difficult to handle due to their inherent physical characteristics (i.e., high melting point and high viscosity).
Equivalent rapid alternative: NIR
This Near-infrared (NIR) laboratory method has been developed as a rapid alternative and yield results, which are equivalent to those obtained by the reference laboratory method. It offers a quick, non-destructive analysis for determination of the hydroxyl number of polyols. The analysis is performed in a less then minute without any sample preparation and modification.
