Many consultants encounter uncertainty when evaluating emissions released during the thermal degradation of polymers. Standard laboratory methods often focus on finished‑product composition rather than the gases, vapours, and smoke generated when materials are heated, cured, or incinerated. As a result, projects involving environmental compliance, industrial hygiene, or material development may lack defensible data on decomposition byproducts.
LCS Laboratory Inc. developed this service to provide a controlled, reproducible way to characterize emissions produced under defined thermal conditions. The method is performed in‑house and is based on DIN 53436‑1.
Why Common Approaches Are Insufficient
Routine VOC analysis, combustion testing, or bulk chemical profiling does not capture the staged release of degradation products as temperature increases. Polymers often decompose into multiple fractions—gases, vapours, soot, and condensable tars—each containing different chemical species. Without a controlled thermal‑exposure protocol, these fractions cannot be reliably separated or quantified. DIN 53436‑1 provides a structured approach that allows consultants to evaluate emissions at temperatures relevant to polymerization, curing, processing, or incineration.
Overview of the LCS Laboratory Service
This service is performed exclusively by LCS Laboratory Inc. All testing, fraction collection, and analytical work are conducted in‑house.
Scope of analysis
- Characterization of gases, vapours, soot, ash, and condensable pitch/tar
- Quantification of detected substances in mg/kg of material tested
- Optional targeting of project‑specific compounds
Applicable sample types
- Polymers, resins, composites, elastomers, and related materials
- Raw materials, intermediates, and finished products
Thermal exposure conditions
- Material placed in a quartz reactor and moved through a preheated furnace
- Temperature selected by the client to simulate specific scenarios
- Low temperatures (e.g., 90 °C): polymerization, curing, or mild heating
- High temperatures (500–650 °C): incineration, thermal decomposition, or fire‑scenario evaluation
Fraction Collection and Analytical Capabilities
During testing, decomposition products are separated into distinct fractions for targeted analysis. The standard analytical package includes:
- Solvents by GC MS
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by GC MS
- Formaldehyde bu HPLC UV
- Carbon monoxide by Gas Detection
- Hydrogen cyanide by Gas detection
- Inorganic acids by Gas Detection
- Phenol by GC MS
- Soot – by NIOSH 5040
- Smoke‑forming pitch/tar by NIOSH 0500
- Metals bu NIOSH 7301
Additional analytes can be included based on project requirements.
When This Service Is Most Appropriate
This method is well‑suited for:
- Industrial hygiene assessments where thermal processes may release hazardous byproducts
- Environmental evaluations related to manufacturing, waste handling, or incineration
- Material development studies examining stability or decomposition pathways
- Waste‑management and recycling projects requiring emission characterization
Practical Considerations
- The selected temperature should reflect the real‑world scenario being simulated
- Target analytes should be identified in advance to ensure appropriate collection and analysis
- Some polymers produce minimal emissions at lower temperatures; higher‑temperature testing may be required for complete characterization
Service Availability
This thermal degradation analysis using DIN 53436‑1 is developed and performed exclusively by LCS Laboratory Inc. All method control, sample handling, and analytical interpretation are managed directly by our laboratory.
Discuss Your Project
If you are evaluating emissions from polymer degradation, we welcome early technical discussion. We can help you refine temperature selection, identify relevant analytes, and determine whether this method aligns with your project objectives. Contact LCS Laboratory Inc. to discuss potential applications. ©
