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. "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.

April/May/June 2011