Composition Testing and Analysis / Ingredient Formulation Analysis / Ingredient Verification

Prime Testing Group Ltd. offers the following testing services:

Composition Testing and Analysis / Ingredient Formulation Analysis / Ingredient Verification

Products, samples, materials, mixtures of substances, or unknown substances are tested by using GC Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP-MS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), etc.

The followings outline the procedures and test methods for Composition Testing and Analysis / Ingredient Formulation Analysis / Ingredient Verification across different categories, including mixtures of substances, unknown substances, polymer materials and metallic materials.

1. Mixtures of Substances

1.1 Overview of Mixture Analysis

Analyzing mixtures involves identifying and quantifying multiple components within a sample. Techniques often used include:

• Gas Chromatography (GC)

• Liquid Chromatography (LC)

• Mass Spectrometry (MS)

1.2 Procedures

i) Sample Preparation

- Homogenize the mixture and prepare it for the chosen analysis technique.

ii) Testing Methods

- GC: Separate volatile components using a gas phase and analyze with a detector.

- LC: Separate non-volatile components in a liquid phase.

- MS: Identify components based on mass-to-charge ratios.

iii) Data Interpretation

- Analyze chromatograms and mass spectra to quantify and identify components.

1.3 An example of test metods for compositional analysis or a comparison made with a known material of the same type

ASTM E1131 Standard Test Method for Compositional Analysis by Thermogravimetry

2. Unknown Substances

2.1 Overview of Unknown Analysis

Identifying unknown substances requires a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Common approaches include:

• FTIR

• NMR

• GC-MS

2.2 Procedures

i) Initial Assessment

- Conduct preliminary tests to understand physical properties (color, state, etc.).

ii) Testing Methods

- FTIR: Identify functional groups in the unknown sample.

- NMR: Use to elucidate the structure of organic compounds.

- GC-MS: Provide both qualitative and quantitative data on volatile substances.

iii) Data Comparison

- Compare results against databases to identify unknown compounds.

2.3 An example of test metods for compositional analysis or a comparison made with a known material of the same type

ASTM E1131 Standard Test Method for Compositional Analysis by Thermogravimetry

3. Polymer Materials

3.1 Overview of Polymer Analysis

Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating structural units. The analysis of polymers involves determining their composition, molecular weight, and structural characteristics. Commonly used methods include:

• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

• Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)

• Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

3.2 Procedures

i) Sample Preparation

- Collect representative samples.

- If necessary, dissolve or dilute the sample in an appropriate solvent.

2. Testing Methods

- FTIR: Identify functional groups by measuring absorbance at specific wavelengths.

- NMR: Determine molecular structure and composition by analyzing chemical shifts.

- GPC: Analyze molecular weight distribution by passing the sample through a porous column.

- TGA: Measure weight changes as a function of temperature to assess thermal stability.

3. Data Interpretation

- Compare the obtained spectra and data to known standards for identification and characterization.

4. Metallic Materials

4.1 Overview of Metal Analysis

Common analytical techniques for analyzing metallic materials include:

• X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

• Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX)

• Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)

4.2 Procedures

i) Sample Collection

- Ensure samples are free from contaminants and representative of the bulk material.

ii) Testing Methods

- XRD: Identify crystalline phases and structures by analyzing diffraction patterns.

- SEM: Obtain high-resolution images of surface morphology.

- EDX: Determine elemental composition by analyzing X-rays emitted from the sample.

- AAS: Quantify metallic elements by measuring absorbance of specific wavelengths.

iii) Data Analysis

- Utilize software to analyze XRD patterns and SEM images. Compare elemental compositions against known standards.