Download the following application notes in PDF format for more information on testing techniques and applications performed by Cambridge Polymer Group.

Application Note #001: Determination of the Kinetics of Curing of Cyanoacrylate-based Adhesives with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
This application note discusses the use of FTIR to monitor the curing kinetics of cyanoacrylate adhesives.

Application Note #002: FTIR Analysis of Crosslinked Polyethylene

A discussion of the use of Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy to measure the concentration of a chemical structure that is generated during the irradiation of polyethylene. This technique indicates the uniformity of radiation dose and absolute absorbed radiation in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

Application Note #003: Small Amplitude Oscillatory Rheometry

This note describes the technique and use of small amplitude oscillatory rheometry to measure viscometric properties of polymer solutions and melts, including dynamic modulus, relaxation time, linear viscoelastic regime, and dynamic viscosity.

Application Note #004: Yield Stress Measurements in Polymer Solutions and Melts

Various techniques to measure yield stress using conventional shear rheometry are discussed and compared.

Application Note #005: Swelling Measurements of Crosslinked Polymers
We describe the theory and experimental technique of swelling measurements to determine the network parameters of crosslinked polymers.

Application Note #006: The Basics of Filament Stretching Rheometry
The kinematics and basic theory of extensional rheometry is described, along with a typical experiment setup used for measurements of extensional rheometry.

Application Note #007: Capillary Breakup Extensional Rheometry

The basic theory of capillary breakup rheometry is described, along with case studies and equipment available to make these measurements.

Application Note #008: Experimental Techniques in Evaluating Crosslinked Polyethylene

We summarize common experimental techniques used to examine crosslinking efficiency and side-products induced during ionizing radiation crosslinking of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Application Note #009: Experimental Protocol to Analyze Trace Oil in Porous Titanium

This note details an experimental technique used to extract oil from porous titanium components found in the orthopedic industry, then analyze the contents to determine the total amount of oil extracted.

Application Note #010: Creep in Crosslinked Polymers

This note discusses the nature of creep in crosslinked materials, with examples drawn from orthopedic implants.

Application Note #011: Imaging Biological Tissue and Hydrogels with Quick Freeze Deep Etch

The technique of QFDE and its application towards microscopic imaging of hydrated polymers or tissue is discussed.

Application Note #012: CaBER Measurements to Determine Yield Stress
This application note discusses the use of Capillary breakup extensional rheometry to determine the yield stress of Bingham-type materials.

Application Note #013: Microbead Swelling Measurements

This application note presents a technique to monitor the swelling behavior of micro-beads when placed in a solvent.

Application Note #014: The theory of birefringence

A primer to the analysis of optical anisotropy in samples through birefringence measurements.

Application Note #015: Compliance of Hydrogel Mock Arteries

This brief report summarizes compliance testing on hydrogel tubes used for model vascular systems (mock arteries).

Silly Putty
This application note discusses the rheological properties of Silly Putty and how it can be used to teach about the strain-rate dependence of polymers.