Polution in polymeric samples come in various kinds and shapes. The Partisol technique (Particles In Solution) first dissolves the polymer matrix after which a steady flow through a small cuvet is established. A microscope is placed perpendicular on the cuvet so the tiniest particles can be detected (down to 1μm). By making 25 frames per second the amount of pictures is vast. Special software analyzes 5000 images on the amount, size, shape and type of contaminants in the dissolved polymer. Examples of shapes en types of contiminants are: spherical, rectangular, fibershapes, gel and bubbles.

This method can be used to determine the amount of masterbatch in a polymer. The only condition is that the masterbatch must be insoluble in the solvent used to dissolve the polymer matrix. When a good contrast between the particle and the matrix can be achieved, detection limits can be as small as 0.1%.