Device for Polymer type identification – also for black parts, fire retardants and additives Combined Device for Plastic Identification A combination of a NIRInfrared spectrometer (mIRo-part) and a patented sliding spark atomic emission spectrometer (Spark-part) is now combining the benefits of both analysis methods technologies in one portable unit! The basic principle of the NIR technology is the diffuse reflection spectroscopy whereby characteristic absorption behaviors of different polymer types are used in that spectral region. The polymer sample is radiated with an NIR-light and the reflected light of the measuring place is analyzed using a near infrared detector array. The basic principle of the Sliding Spark technology is the thermal vaporization of a small amount of the plastic surface using a train of defined high-current sliding sparks between the electrode gap within ~1sec. The polymer- and additive-components in the spark plasma are vaporized, atomized, ionized and activated to emit spectral characteristic VIS/UV-light radiations. With this technology combination practically all common types of plastics, regardless of color, size, structure like films, foils, granules, solid, carpets and textiles can be identified with additive elements like fire retardants and heavy metals. For plastic identification one of the measuring pistols is simply pressed on to the sample surface. The analysis begins by pressing the start trigger of the pistol grip. After one second an integrated color TFT-screen displays the recognized polymer. The measuring pistols each are connected to the instrument with a 2 m cable and protective hose. The optical signals are transported via fiber cable to the spectrometer systems. Parameter settings as well as control can be effected by an integrated touchscreen. An integrated Mini-Plotter prints out the result. An USB-interface allows the data transfer/export. Following polymer types and carpets/textiles are in the database: PA6/PA66 * PA12 * PE * PP * PS * ABS * PPO * SAN * PET * PBT * PMMA * PC * POM * PVC * Cellulose * PLA Blends of: PC+ABS * PC+PET * PVC+ABS Foil/Films-Multilayers: PE+PET * PE+PA * PP+PET Textiles/carpets: PA * PP * Polyester * Cotton * Polycotton * Acrylic * Silk * Wool * Acetate Following significant elements can be detected: Bromine, Chlorine, Fluorine, Phosphorus, Lead, Cadmium, etc.

The identification of different plastic types for both spectrometers is the result of a trained pattern recognition with a specially developed neural network models inside a database with several counter-checking. The result of the calculation (ai) is a list of the most probable polymer types identified within a probability between 0 and 100%. Also a trained comparison is used due to gained experiences because plastics have no norms and standardizations compared to metals! Additive detection is performed by the characteristic atomic emission for an element of the additives in the optical spectra....