Focusing on the Frontiers of Low-Field NMR, Building a High Ground for Industry-Academia-Research Innovation | Congratulations on the Successful Completion of the Tianjin University Analytical Testing Technology Seminar Series and the Newma Low-Field NMR Application Workshop!

Recently, the Large Instrument Platform and Analytical Testing Center of Tianjin University, in collaboration with Suzhou Niumag Analytical Instruments Co., Ltd., successfully hosted the “Analytical Testing Technology Series Forum & Niumag Low-Field NMR Application Seminar” at the Beiyangyuan Campus of Tianjin University. This seminar focused on low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) analysis techniques, bringing together university faculty, students, and senior engineers from Suzhou Niumag to engage in in-depth discussions on cutting-edge research and practical applications of LF-NMR technology.

During the keynote presentations, experts shared reports on the application and research progress of LF-NMR in food science, characterization and analysis of water molecule dynamics, and the preparation and performance study of high-strength zwitterionic polymer organic gels. These presentations highlighted the broad potential and significant value of LF-NMR technology across multiple disciplines.

Suzhou Niumag engineers, leveraging their extensive industry experience, delivered a presentation titled “Principles and Material Applications of Low-Field NMR Technology”, analysing the underlying technical logic and demonstrating innovative applications of LF-NMR instruments in material testing through practical case studies.

For instance, in polymer materials such as rubber and plastics, the engineers highlighted how LF-NMR can precisely measure the ratio of soft (amorphous) to hard (crystalline) segments and crosslink density. These measurements are crucial for understanding the material’s mechanical properties, thermal stability, and processing behaviour. Furthermore, LF-NMR effectively evaluates the bound rubber content in vulcanized materials, revealing the stability and strength of the internal microstructure. In composite materials or coatings, LF-NMR provides a unique perspective for assessing particle dispersion, ensuring uniform distribution of components and preventing aggregation, thereby guaranteeing consistent performance of the final product. These practical application cases allowed participants to appreciate not only the elegance of LF-NMR principles but also its immense value in solving real-world material characterisation challenges.

The discussion session was highly interactive, with participants engaging in in-depth conversations about the development trends, challenges, and solutions related to LF-NMR technology. Experts shared their perspectives on expanding the application scope and improving the technical level of LF-NMR, while Niumag engineers provided detailed answers to questions researchers face when using the instruments in practice.

During this seminar, Niumag engineers offered an in-depth explanation of LF-NMR applications in material testing, particularly highlighting innovative uses such as measuring soft (amorphous) to hard (crystalline) segment ratios, crosslink density, bound rubber content, and particle dispersion analysis. These insights provided researchers with fresh ideas and technical approaches for their studies. With ongoing collaboration between academia and industry, LF-NMR technology is set to unlock even greater potential across materials science and other fields, empowering research innovation through precise detection and efficient analysis.