CRYSTEX0 pages

CRYSTEX

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XYLENE SOLUBLES ANALYSIS

Fully automated Xylene Solubles analyzer.
The CRYSTEX instrument is considered a breakthrough
technology in automation for the measurement of the
amorphous fraction in polypropylene copolymers, also referred
to as xylene solubles measurement. The crystalline and
amorphous fractions are separated through a dissolutioncrystallization temperature cycle within a closed stainless steel
vessel. Accurate and precise quantification is achieved by means
of an optimized infrared detector, which eliminates the need of
manual volume measurements or even using the balance at all.
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This method is being embraced by the industry as a robust and
reliable alternative to traditional gravimetric methods (ISO
6247 part B, ASTM D-5492), due to the dramatic reduction of
analyst time and laboratory supplies, the outstanding precision
and the potential for multi-detection capabilities.
CRYSTEX Control Software fully automates the whole process,
therefore the user task consists only of putting the dry pellets
or powder in the vessels and starting the analysis from the
computer. The instrument takes care of the vessels filling,
dissolution, sampling and final cleaning. Furthermore, the
Virtual Instrumentation Software approach provides a userfriendly interface together with a powerful set of diagnosis and
troubleshooting tools.

KEY FEATURES
Full automation of the amorphous content method.
Results of three samples obtained in about 4 hours.
No need for accurate weighing of sample or manual volume control.
Automated process with no supervision required and intrinsically
safe operation.
Additional information: ethylene content and intrinsic viscosity of the
whole polymer, crystalline and non-crystalline fractions.

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Ethylene content can be measured by the built-in infrared
detector IR4 in the whole sample as well as in the amorphous
fraction. Polymer Char’s two-capillary viscometer can be installed
for collecting intrinsic viscosity data in the same analysis, so
that the most relevant parameters for a comprehensive
characterization of the material are available in a short time
using a single instrument.
Polymer Char also counts on CRYSTEX QC, a dedicated and
simplified instrument aimed at amorphous phase determination
specifically designed and optimized for use in the Process
Control and Quality Control (QC) laboratories in manufacturing
facilities for Polypropylene and Ethylene-Propylene copolymers.
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Find out more at www.polymerchar.com/CRYSTEX

Polymer Characterization, S.A.

Gustave Eiffel, 8 Paterna
E-46980 Valencia, Spain

T.: +34 96 131 81 20
F.: +34 96 131 81 22

info@polymerchar.com
www.polymerchar.com

Crystalline Matrix

Amorphous Fraction

Schematic diagram of CRYSTEX®