As composite manufacturers face increasing pressure to incorporate recycled materials, one major challenge remains — accurately identifying the composition and quantity of components within recyclates.
Addressing this need, NETZSCH Analyzing & Testing has introduced Proteus Now Quantify, an advanced software solution designed to improve recyclate quality control. The software combines differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) with machine learning to identify and quantify unknown polymer compositions from a single automated measurement. By organizing variability in DSC data and resolving overlapping peaks—common when multiple polymers crystallize at similar temperatures—the system delivers precise material insights. Trained on calibrated polymer blends, it can detect contamination levels as low as 1%, with typical root mean square error (RMSE) values ranging between 3–6%. It currently supports polymers such as polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).
For composite applications, the company has developed a practical workflow. Users first determine filler content using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) or burn-off methods, then adjust the sample weight within the software to reflect the actual polymer mass. NETZSCH is also collaborating with partners to expand its dataset by incorporating calibrated blends with and without fillers, further enhancing accuracy for composite materials.
According to company experts, variations among virgin polyolefin grades are often greater than the changes introduced during recycling. By training the system on a wide range of well-characterized virgin materials from multiple suppliers, the model can effectively predict and analyze typical recyclate behavior.
Regulatory developments are also driving adoption. Beginning in 2030, recyclate suppliers entering the European market will be required to comply with EU standards and provide documented evidence of material origin and composition. These requirements are expected to influence global markets, making accurate material characterization essential for market access.
The software integrates seamlessly with NETZSCH’s DSC instruments and operates under standardized testing conditions, ensuring consistent and reproducible results. Once measurements are complete, analysis is delivered within seconds.
Currently available for polyolefin analysis, Proteus Now Quantify is expected to expand its database to include additional polymer classes such as polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polycarbonate (PC), polyurethane (PUR), and other engineering materials.