Today virtually all aspects of our lives are touched by injection molded plastics. These versatile plastic resins in a variety of formulations perform in products ranging from toothbrushes to automotive consoles to minute surgical implants. Because the moisture content of these plastics is so critical to performance, a moisture analyzer is an essential tool to ensure materials are within specification.
What is too wet or too dry?
Ascertaining the correct moisture content for a resin depends on what is being molded and the plastic employed. For example, a polymer manufacturer may state that the product being offered has a moisture content of 0.20 percent by weight or 2,000 parts per million. But atmospheric conditions, humidity and other factors may cause a change, especially if the product is hygroscopic or accumulates moisture on its surface due to adsorption. Similarly, storage in areas with very low relative humidity could result in lowering the stated moisture content of the product.
