The polymer industry is feeling the pressure. It is now expected for manufacturers to deliver materials that not only perform reliably but are also cost-effective and environmentally responsible. Whether it’s packaging or car parts, polymers like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) need to meet tight specs for crystallinity, density, and processability every single time.
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But here’s the challenge: traditional QA/QC methods are often slow, hands-on, and destructive. They rely on solvent-based extraction or other time-consuming processes that are unable to keep up with the pace and demands of modern production.
A recent perspective in npj Advanced Manufacturing (2025) pointed out what many in the field already know: one of the biggest roadblocks in polymer processing is the lack of real-time, in-situ measurement tools. The industry is calling out for faster, smarter, and less invasive ways to keep quality in check.1
Bruker’s time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) solutions are designed to change that.
TD-NMR gives manufacturers a fast, reliable way to monitor key polymer properties in real time, without interrupting production or dealing with solvents. The analysis is accurate and non-destructive, making it easy to get the data you need right on the line. For polyolefin producers in particular, it helps streamline QA/QC while keeping pace with today’s performance and sustainability demands.
What is TD-NMR and Why Does it Matter in Polymers?
TD-NMR works by tracking how hydrogen nuclei in a polymer relax over time–something that changes depending on whether the material is more crystalline or amorphous. That’s what makes it such a good fit for semi-crystalline polymers like PE and PP, where the balance between these two phases has a direct effect on how the material performs.
What sets TD-NMR apart is its ability to quantify crystallinity with accuracy comparable to established techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).2
But unlike these traditional methods, which typically require well-equipped lab environments and time-consuming prep, TD-NMR provides a more practical approach for fast-paced production settings.2
Here’s what it brings to the table:
- Fast analysis: Typically under one minute per sample
- Minimal to no sample prep: Works directly with pellets or powders
- Non-destructive and solvent-free: No cleanup, no waste
- At-line deployability: Enabling real-time process feedback
These properties are what make TD-NMR fit so well in today’s polymer plants. Its speed, automation, and simplicity keep workflows efficient and production moving.
Case Study 1: Measuring Crystallinity and Density in Polyethylene
Polyethylene comes in a wide range of grades (LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, and UHMWPE), each of which is designed for different applications and performance needs.
Yet, what they all have in common is the need for precise control over crystallinity and density. These properties directly influence how the material behaves: higher crystallinity adds stiffness, strength, and chemical resistance, while lower crystallinity improves flexibility and clarity.
Bruker’s PE Crystallinity & Density application uses TD-NMR to accelerate and enhance the reliability of this process. By measuring how hydrogen protons behave in both crystalline and amorphous regions, TD-NMR provides a direct and accurate way to quantify crystallinity, no solvents, no guesswork, and no lab bottlenecks.
It works across all PE types, providing manufacturers with a consistent, at-line solution to monitor and control key properties in real-time, helping ensure every batch meets the mark.
Performance Highlights Include:
- Calibration with 3-5 reference samples
- Correlation with standard methods (ISO 1183, ASTM D1505, ASTM D792, ASTM D4883)
- R2 > 0.99, confirming linearity and accuracy
- Measurement repeatability with high consistency
Unlike traditional displacement or DSC methods (which can be slow and depend on skilled operators), TD-NMR delivers precise results in under a minute, right at the line. This enables producers to classify PE grades with confidence and adapt to market demands in real time.
Case Study 2: Xylene Soluble Content in Polypropylene
In polypropylene production, the xylene soluble (XS) fraction is a critical indicator of amorphous content. By moderating XS levels, manufacturers can decide upon the stiffness, thermal resistance, and processability of the final product. Too much amorphous content can compromise mechanical integrity, while too little can reduce flexibility.
Bruker’s PP Xylene Soluble application uses TD-NMR to measure XS content with exceptional reliability. The technique is based on the distinct relaxation times of rigid and mobile domains in the polymer, which is used to control the polymerization process and determine the physical properties of the final products for quality control.
Key Results Include:
- Calibration with three to five samples of known XS content
- R2 up to 0.9987 with linear regression
- Standard deviation < 0.65 % across repeated runs
- Applicability to powders and pellets, including homopolymers, random copolymers, and impact copolymers
Unlike solvent extraction methods, which are time-consuming, TD-NMR enables at-line process control during polymerization, allowing manufacturers to adjust catalysts, stereo-modifiers, or comonomer levels on the fly.
TD-NMR in Practice: Automation, Throughput, and Industry Readiness
Bruker’s TD-NMR systems are built for the demands of high-throughput production. With features like sample pre-tempering and temperature control up to 200 °C, they’re flexible enough to handle both everyday QA tasks and more advanced R&D needs.
The technology is already widely applied in commercial polymer production for PE and PP, but it is not limited to these. TD-NMR can also measure other extractables such as decaline or heptane solubles, and it is adaptable to polystyrene and other polymer systems.
One of the biggest advantages, however, is its user-friendliness. The instruments are simple enough to be operated by non-specialists, making them easy to integrate into busy production lines without the need for dedicated lab staff.
This combination of speed, versatility, and accessibility is what makes TD-NMR such a practical tool for modern polymer manufacturing.
Broader Impact: Driving Efficiency and Consistency in Polymer Manufacturing
Adopting TD-NMR has clear commercial benefits:
- Reduced reliance on wet labs by eliminating solvents and lengthy preparation steps
- Lower waste generation, improving sustainability, and compliance
- Faster production cycles, enabling real-time adjustments rather than batch-to-batch corrections
This shift in QA/QC practice translates into significant cost savings while ensuring consistent material performance, which is vital for applications ranging from packaging films to structural automotive parts.5,6
Future Outlook: Expanding Applications of TD-NMR in Polymer R&D
The future of TD-NMR goes well beyond today’s quality control needs. As the polymer industry leans more into sustainability, TD-NMR is set to play a hands-on role – whether it’s helping to assess recycled materials, monitor how polymers break down over time, or support closed-loop recycling efforts.
What makes it especially useful is its flexibility. TD-NMR can handle a wide mix of polymer types and extractables, making it a practical tool for both day-to-day production and more in-depth research work.
As manufacturers look to align with new industry standards and streamline quality control across global sites, the use of TD-NMR is expected to grow fast. With reliable tech and real-world know-how, Bruker BioSpin is in a strong position to support that shift, helping producers stay consistent, competitive, and ready for the demands of a more sustainability-focused future.
Curious how TD-NMR could support your production or R&D goals? Reach out to Bruker today and connect with an expert who can walk you through the best solution for your workflow.
References and Further Reading
- Brettmann, B.K., et al. (2025). Challenges and opportunities in manufacturing highly filled polymers. npj Advanced Manufacturing, 2(1). DOI: 10.1038/s44334-025-00046-9. https://www.nature.com/articles/s44334-025-00046-9.
- Räntzsch, V., et al. (2018). Polymer crystallinity and crystallization kinetics via benchtop 1H NMR relaxometry: Revisited method, data analysis, and experiments on common polymers. Polymer, 145, pp.162–173. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.04.066. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0032386118303720?via%3Dihub.
- Besghini, D., Mauri, M. and Simonutti, R. (2019). Time Domain NMR in Polymer Science: From the Laboratory to the Industry. Applied Sciences, 9(9), p.1801. DOI: 10.3390/app9091801. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/9/9/1801.
- Ohgi, K., et al. (2021). Time-domain NMR analysis for the determination of water content in pharmaceutical ingredients and wet granules. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 604, p.120770. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120770. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378517321005755.
This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Bruker BioSpin Group.
For more information on this source, please visit Bruker BioSpin Group.