Additive & Stabilizer Profiling
Additive and stabilizer profiling identifies and quantifies chemical modifiers intentionally incorporated into polymers, biomaterials, coatings, and industrial formulations to enhance processing behavior, performance, and long-term stability. These additives, including antioxidants, UV stabilizers, plasticizers, lubricants, flame retardants, dispersants, and other performance modifiers, play a critical role in controlling mechanical integrity, chemical resistance, and environmental durability.
Over time, additives may degrade, migrate, volatilize, or chemically interact with the base material, leading to discoloration, embrittlement, oxidation, cracking, loss of elasticity, or regulatory non-compliance.
At Materials Metric, additive and stabilizer profiling delivers detailed compositional insight to verify formulation authenticity, assess stability, support supplier qualification, investigate material failures, and ensure batch-to-batch consistency across advanced material systems.
Uses of Additive & Stabilizer Profiling
Additive and stabilizer analysis is used to:
- Confirm presence and concentration of key additives
- Detect formulation inconsistencies or deviations between suppliers
- Monitor stabilizer depletion, oxidation, or degradation pathways
- Evaluate material aging during real-time or accelerated studies
- Identify additives responsible for discoloration, off-gassing, odor, or mechanical failure
- Ensure compliance with FDA, ISO, REACH, and industry-specific requirements
- Support material qualification and batch-release specifications
Applications
Profiling is essential for:
- Medical-grade polymers & implantable biomaterials
- Packaging materials (pharmaceutical, food-contact, consumer)
- Elastomers, composites, engineering plastics
- Coatings, adhesives, inks & sealants
- Automotive, aerospace & industrial polymers
- 3D-printed and additively manufactured materials
- Consumer products & specialty chemicals
Sample Analysis Process
1. Objective Definition
- Identify target additive categories (antioxidants, UV stabilizers, plasticizers, processing aids, flame retardants, etc.)
- Review known formulation requirements or unknown screening goals
- Select analytical methods based on chemistry
2. Sample Preparation
- Solvent extraction, dissolution, or thermal desorption depending on additive behavior
- Filtration or cleanup for complex matrices
- Controlled handling for thermally or oxidatively sensitive additives
3. Analytical Measurement
We use multi-technique profiling to ensure accuracy:
- HPLC, LC–MS, UPLC for antioxidants, UV stabilizers, plasticizers
- GC–MS for volatile/semi-volatile additives
- FTIR & Raman for functional group confirmation
- TGA & DSC for stabilizer depletion and oxidation behavior
- ICP–MS/ICP–OES for metal-containing additives (e.g., catalysts, lubricants, flame retardants)
4. Reporting
- Additive identification and quantification
- Depletion or degradation profiles (if applicable)
- Comparison across batches or suppliers
- Interpretation for material performance, compliance, and stability
- Recommendations for formulation improvements
Why Choose Materials Metric for Additive & Stabilizer Profiling
Materials Metric offers deep chemical insight and advanced analytical capability that go far beyond basic composition testing. Our profiles provide actionable intelligence for R&D, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.
• Multi-Technique Chemical Profiling for Complex Additives
We combine GC–MS, LC–MS, FTIR, Raman, ICP, and thermal analysis to capture the full spectrum of additives—from low-volatility plasticizers to high-molecular-weight stabilizers.
• Expert Interpretation of Polymer & Additive Chemistry
Our scientists understand how additives function, degrade, and interact within polymer matrices.
We not only identify what is present, but explain why it matters for stability, durability, and compliance.
• Batch Comparison & Forensic-Level Failure Investigation
We can pinpoint formulation changes, supplier inconsistencies, stabilizer loss, or contaminant introduction, critical for resolving performance failures.
• Regulatory-Ready Data for FDA, ISO, REACH & Global Standards
Our reports align international guidelines and support compliance documentation for medical, pharmaceutical, and food-contact applications.
• Accelerated Aging & Stability Integration
Profiling can be paired with thermal aging, oxidative stress, and weathering studies to track additive performance over time.
Materials Metric provides accurate, defensible chemical insight that helps you optimize formulations, validate suppliers, and ensure long-term reliability of your materials.