Chemical analysis of material composition

Purpose

Our chemical analysis and troubleshooting services help answer a wide range of questions, such as:

• What is the origin of a stain?
• What is the composition of a deposit or residue?
• What additives are present in a material or product?
• How does the material change during aging?

Understanding, characterizing, and identifying the chemical composition of a sample is often essential for solving technical challenges or improving processes. Common issues we help investigate include:

• Process‑related problems
• Deposits and residues
• Defects in products
• Complaints and customer inquiries
• Types and levels of additives
• Comparison of products on the market
• Presence of hazardous or regulated substances
• Identification of plastic materials

Using a systematic and structured approach, we determine the material’s composition, identify substances, interpret the results, and pinpoint potential sources. The outcome includes both qualitative and quantitative information about the components present in the sample or material.

We employ a range of analytical techniques selected according to sample type and problem statement. Investigations can often start immediately, without the need for lengthy planning or preparation.

Method

We often use several different methods that combine organic analysis, inorganic analysis and microscopy analysis to characterize the unknown sample.

Examples of techniques:

• Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS)
• Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
• Scanning Electron Microscopy -Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS)
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP)
• Ion chromatography (IC)
• Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)
• Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS)
• Size Exclusion Chromatograph (SEC)
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
• Total organic carbon (TOC)

Deliveries

Results are compiled in an analysis report.

More information