Oxford Instruments Magnetic Resonance, a business unit of United Kingdom-based Oxford Instruments,
has developed a method by which its MQC-23 benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyzer can
measure both spin finish oil and moisture content simultaneously in cellulose acetate fibers. The
company reports the single measurement can be taken in approximately two minutes, whereas separate
measurements using standard methods require that amount of time just to measure moisture content in
a cellulose acetate fiber sample.
Cellulose acetate fibers are lubricated with spin finish oils to facilitate their processing
for end-use applications including fabrics, membranes and filters. Ensuring the proper amount of
lubricant is applied can save costs and prevent residue buildup from too high a level, and prevent
production downtime when too little is used.
“Combining the NMR moisture measurement with the spin finish oil measurement on the Oxford
Instruments MQC-23 results in significant time savings over the course of many samples,” said Barry
Jones, director of sales.
According to the company, the technique used is based on direct measurements of NMR response
from the spin finish oil and moisture in the fiber sample and calculation of the oil and water
using appropriate calibrations based on NMR data from samples that have established concentrations
of oil and moisture. Samples can be prepared without the need for special equipment or skills, and
the operator of the MQC analyzer and the company’s EasyCal software application does not need to be
trained in NMR techniques.
February 15, 2011
