Oxidation Studies
Oxidation studies assess how materials chemically interact with oxygen, heat, reactive species, or environmental stressors over time. Oxidative degradation can result in polymer chain scission, crosslinking, discoloration, embrittlement, odor formation, additive depletion, and loss of biocompatibility, ultimately compromising performance, safety, and shelf life.
At Materials Metric, oxidation studies are designed to identify oxidative by-products, track stabilizer consumption, and monitor chemical structure changes using integrated thermal, spectroscopic, and chromatographic workflows. These analyses support accurate prediction of material longevity, environmental resistance, and performance stability across polymers, biomaterials, coatings, and advanced material systems.
Uses of Oxidation Studies
• Detect early oxidative degradation
• Evaluate antioxidant or stabilizer loss
• Assess long-term material stability
• Identify chemical pathways driving oxidation
• Support formulation optimization
• Troubleshoot material failures
• Validate storage and shelf-life requirements
Applications
• Medical device materials
• Polymers, elastomers, composites
• Pharmaceuticals & excipients
• Coatings, adhesives, sealants
• Packaging & consumer products
• Lubricants, oils & industrial fluids
Sample Analysis Process
1. Study Definition
- Select oxidative stress conditions (heat, oxygen, UV, peroxides).
- Determine industry standards and regulatory needs.
2. Controlled Oxidative Exposure
- Thermal oxidative aging
- UV/photolytic oxidation
- Atmospheric or oxygen-rich environments
- Reactive oxygen species tests
3. Analytical Characterization
- HPLC/UPLC – oxidative degradants
- GC–MS – volatile oxidation by-products
- FTIR/Raman – chemical functional group changes
- TGA/DSC – oxidation onset & thermal transitions
- ICP–MS – catalytic metal involvement
4. Reporting
- Identification of oxidation products
- Stabilizer depletion profiles
- Oxidation pathway interpretation
- Impact on performance and durability
Why Choose Materials Metric for Oxidation Studies
Materials Metric delivers scientifically rigorous, regulator-ready oxidation analysis that provides far more than routine testing. We uncover the underlying chemistry driving degradation so you can strengthen formulations and prevent failures.
We offer:
• Deep expertise in oxidative degradation mechanisms
• Advanced multi-technique characterization (HPLC, GC–MS, ICP–MS, FTIR, Raman, TGA/DSC)
• Precise, reproducible oxidative stress environments
• Regulatory-aligned data for FDA, ISO, ICH submissions
• Actionable recommendations to enhance long-term stability
Materials Metric helps you protect product performance, extend shelf-life, and ensure chemical integrity under oxidative stress.