Plastics and Polymer News & Articles | Contract Laboratory's Outsource! e-magazine

Plastics and Polymer

Yellowness Index of Plastics: Understanding Laboratory Testing Methods

By Trevor Henderson | Apr 24, 2024

The Yellowness Index of plastics is a key indicator of color quality and stability in manufacturing and material science

An image showing the yellowing of clear plastics over time, depicting a sequence of plastic samples that progressively turn yellow.

Guide to Laboratory Testing of Plastics and Polymers

By Trevor Henderson | Apr 5, 2024

A quick look at the sophisticated processes and equipment necessary to ensure the quality and performance of plastic materials

a collection of plastic products including cutlery, water bottles and toys

Eco-friendly Alternatives to Plastic Straws May Prove More Hazardous to Health and Environment

By Trevor Henderson | May 29, 2023

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in most commercially available drinking straws. Eco-friendly drinking straws may contain hazardous PFAS substances researchers warn. Image Credits: iStock. Summary The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl...

Recycling Numbers | Plastics | FTC Recycling Guidelines

By Editorial Team | Mar 14, 2023

Have you ever noticed the number inside the recycling symbol on bottles or other plastic recyclables? Do you know what these recycling numbers mean? At the bottom of almost any plastic container, inside the recycling symbol is a small number between 1 and 7. Each...

Accelerated Weathering Testing

By Editorial Team | Feb 12, 2023

Accelerated weather testing reproduces damages caused by environmental factors like sun and moisture. Accelerated weathering testing is conducted to replicate damages caused by the environment. The testing looks at any changes in color, fading, peeling or...

RA and RMS | Surface Roughness

By Editorial Team | Feb 5, 2023

RA and RMS are measurements of surface roughness. Both measurements are done using a profilometer though the calculations differ for RA and RMS. RA is the roughness average and RMS is the root mean square of a surface. Both measurements are based on the heights of...

Phthalate Testing in Plastics and Polymers

By Editorial Team | Feb 3, 2023

Phthalates are colorless, odorless chemicals found in plastics and polymers including consumer products, toys, and even food containers. Phthalate consumption has been linked to birth defects, hormonal disruption, behavioral issues, fertility issues, obesity, and...