RMS Foundation
Bischmattstrasse 12
2544 Bettlach
Switzerland
Phone +41 32 644 2000
«Thank you very much for the comprehensive report and professional support. I am, once again, thrilled with the quality of work at RMS. The results are very helpful to us and help us gain a better understanding of our challenges.»
Justus Schällibaum
Senior Process Development Engineer, Sonova AG
«Collaboration with the RMS Foundation is very enjoyable, particularly the highly professional SEM analyses performed by the well-qualified and helpful experts. Even with the most urgent and short-notice requests, we are always served with great courtesy. Deadlines are crucial, and we have never been let down by RMS in this respect.»
Dr. Johann Rechberger
Head of Materials and Surface Technology, Fraisa
«Over the past few years, we have utilized RMS's services multiple times. We value our collaboration with the RMS Foundation because it allows us to easily access h high-standard analytical methods of scientific quality.»
Carlo Weingart
MC Micro Crystal Switzerland
«Collaboration with the staff of the RMS Foundation is pleasant, straightforward, and solution-oriented. They are highly trained and have a vast knowledge base, offering us guidance and support.»
Ulrike Füss
Head of Analytics & QP, Borer Advanced Cleaning Solutions
«Thank you and your team for the great work, looking forward to working with you again!»
Amaury Migeotte
R&D Engineer, NOVOSTIA
Leachables / extractables from polymer materialien
Leachable and extractable chemicals from polymer materials can be crucial factors for the safety of the environment and the health of humans and animals. It is not always possible to avoid the use of additives, as these substances often make specific product properties achievable. The RMS Foundation, as an accredited analytical laboratory, has a wide range of analytical capabilities to detect and identify such leachable and extractable compounds, even at very low concentrations.
Polyethylene oxidation index
In the presence of oxygen, irradiated UHMWPE shows poor long-term resistance to oxidation (brittleness). By adding small amounts of Vitamin E (an antioxidant), free radicals are neutralized. This stabilizes the material by preventing oxidative damage. The image shows an oxidation index depth profile according to ASTM F2102 of an explant made from conventional UHMWPE (not stabilized), with significant oxidation of the material. The oxidation index describes the ratio of the absorption peak at 1720 cm⁻¹, normalized with the reference peak at 1370 cm⁻¹. The greatest damage occurred at a depth of 0.4 mm, as the compressive stresses are highest below the articulation surface.
Identification of polymer particles by FT-IR mikroscopy
Using FTIR microscopy, even the smallest polymer particles (e.g., microplastics) can be analyzed and identified. The particles are washed off the sample, collected on a filter, and then their polymer material is identified through the characteristic FTIR spectrum of the respective polymer, providing information about the type of particle contamination.
Identifikcation of unknown fibers
Unknown fibers on the surface of a component were identified as nylon (polyamide 66) using the FT-IR microscope. This identification helped trace their origin and resolve the contamination issue.
Thermal analys of polymers
Dynamic Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is used to study the thermal properties of plastics. Typical parameters include the melting range, glass transition temperature, and crystallization behavior.
Testing of (polymer) packaging materials
Medical devices, food products, and other items are often hermetically sealed in polymer packaging. Various standardized tests exist to evaluate the quality and seal integrity of the seams or the entire packaging.
Who is your contact person?
Ronny Wirz
Dr. sc. ETH Zürich
Senior Scientist
Phone +41 32 644 2052
Dr. sc. ETH Zürich
Senior Scientist
Phone +41 32 644 2052