Laboratory and Field — ESR

Electron Spin Resonance (ESR/EPR) is a spectroscopic method that directly detects unpaired electrons—making it uniquely suited to study radicals and paramagnetic centers in polymers. These signals provide insight into oxidation, degradation, crosslinking, and polymerization pathways that other techniques cannot observe as directly. The sections below outline representative polymer applications where ESR’s radical detection power provide valuable insight. 1. Oxidative Stability and Additive Performance What it does:Radicals form as polymers degrade under heat, light, or stress, initiating chain scission and oxidation. ESR can detect these radicals—even at low levels—enabling comparison of stabilizer efficacy (e.g., HALS or antioxidants). Why it matters: Supports...

Biodiesel is a renewable alternative to fossil diesel, but its oxidative degradation remains a major obstacle. This process, driven by free radicals, reduces stability, increases acidity, and threatens engine performance. 

Here, we highlight three important studies that applied ESR to biodiesel research — from tracking free radical formation to evaluating the role of antioxidants.

Crude oil quality is determined by its chemical composition, and two components stand out as particularly influential: asphaltenes and vanadium complexes. Asphaltenes are the heaviest fraction of crude oil, consisting of polyaromatic cores with aliphatic side chains and trace metals. Even in small concentrations they tend to aggregate, increasing viscosity, plugging pipelines, and deactivating catalysts during refining. Vanadium, often present as vanadyl porphyrins, is a known catalyst poison and a geochemical fingerprint of oil origin and degradation. Because these fractions directly impact flow assurance, refining efficiency, and ultimately crude oil value, accurate monitoring is essential. Why ESR? A Direct Window into...

Explore the Power of the ESR5000
From radiation dosimetry to environmental research and pharmaceutical quality control, the ESR5000 delivers high-sensitivity ESR/EPR analysis in a compact benchtop format. Discover real-world applications across chemistry, life sciences, and beyond.