Experts in Separation and Purification of Polymer Granules
At Optical Sorting, we have the expertise and equipment necessary for polymer sorting. Thanks to our in-depth know-how and extensive experience in the field, we provide an outstanding service for the separation of polymer granules and the removal of impurities from
We classify and purify your polymer granules at your facility or at ours
Our sorting services are available at our own facilities, but we can also bring our equipment to your premises for your convenience.
Polymers: What are they?
To fully understand the importance of our polymer classification services, it is essential to have a solid understanding of what polymers are.
Polymers are large molecules composed of a series of smaller subunits known as monomers. These monomers are linked together in long and sometimes branched chains. Chains can consist of thousands of monomers and the way they are linked and arranged determines the properties of the resulting polymer.
Classification of Natural and Synthetic Polymers
At Optical Sorting, we offer a polymer sorting service covering all varieties of this versatile material. We understand the main characteristics of natural olimers as well as the classification of synthetic polymers, and we understand the differences between the two in terms of both their structure and chemical composition.
Natural polymers are those that occur in nature, such as silk, cellulose, silk and starch for example.
Synthetic polymers, on the other hand, are made from raw materials such as nylon, polyethylene and Bakelite.
When purifying and classifying polymers it is important to know what type of polymer we are dealing with, in order to achieve the desired result for the optimal production of our material.
At Optical Sorting we have the right technology to ensure that the sorting of polymers is flawless and unblemished.
Classification of polymers according to their structure.
In addition to the classification of polymers according to their origin, we are also familiar with the classification of polymers according to their structure. We know that the structure of a polymer can influence its properties and behaviour, so accurate classification is essential to ensure that the correct polymer is used for each application.
We can distinguish amorphous polymers, which have no order in their structure, such as polypropylene, nylon and PET. On the other hand, we have the semi-crystalline polymers, which are those that have regions with a periodic arrangement, such as liquid crystal polymer, polyacrylic acid and polyphthalamide.
All polymers have an amorphous part, which is why we speak of semi-crystalline polymers and not crystalline polymers.
Classification of Polymers According to their Chemical Composition.
Not only do we focus on the classification of polymer materials, but we also understand that there are different types of polymers, each with its own classification. This includes the classification of polymers according to their chemical composition.
The chemical composition of a polymer can influence its physical and chemical properties, so it is essential to determine how and where the polymer can be used.
Addition Polymers or Vinyl Polymers: These are polymers that are formed by the addition of monomers without the elimination of any product. The monomers used in this case have at least one double bond between the carbon atoms. Common examples include polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Condensation Polymers or Growth Step Polymers: These are polymers that are formed by the removal of a small molecule, such as water or methanol, during the polymerisation reaction. Common examples are PET (polyethylene terephthalate), polyesters, and polyamides such as nylon.
Copolymers Copolymers: These are polymers that are formed from more than one type of monomer. Depending on the arrangement of the monomers, they can be classified into block copolymers (such as SBS, used in the manufacture of shoe soles), alternating copolymers, random copolymers and graft copolymers.
Natural Polymers: These are polymers found in nature. They are produced by living organisms and have varied chemical compositions. Examples include cellulose, silk, natural rubber, and DNA.
Synthetic Polymers: Synthetic polymers are those that are man-made in laboratories and industries. Examples include polypropylene, polyurethane, and polyacrylics.
Committed to quality and effectiveness.
At Optical Sorting, we are committed to providing the highest quality polymer sorting services. This sorting can be very beneficial if you need to purify your polymers, as it can help you to achieve:
- Identify the problem : Understanding the different kinds of polymers can help you identify which of your polymers have defects. This can be useful if you produce or use different types of polymers and one of them is causing problems.
- Selecting the purification process: Some purification processes may be more effective with certain types of polymers. Understanding the classification of polymers will allow you to select the most suitable purification process for your needs.
- Quality assessment: Understanding the classification of polymers can also help you to assess the quality of your polymers after purification. This will allow you to check whether the purification process has been effective and whether your polymers are now free of defects.
- Effective communication: If you need to communicate with experts or purification service providers, such as Optical Sorting, a solid understanding of polymer sorting will help you express your needs more effectively.
Understanding the classification of polymers can help you identify, solve and prevent quality problems in your polymers.
We are here to help you!
No matter what your polymer sorting needs are, you can count on Optical Sorting to deliver a high quality service that meets your requirements. With our team of experts and our state-of-the-art technology, we can provide accurate and efficient polymer sorting to ensure the purity and quality of your polymers.
So why wait? Find out today how Optical Sorting can help you with all your polymer sorting needs. Contact us for more information about our services or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to working with you to help you take your polymers to the next level.
