The explosion in the growth of technological applications incorporating new materials and covering a range of industries from nanotechnology to photovoltaics has created consequent growth in the need for FTIR analysis and testing for organic materials. Materials characterization measures the range of wavelengths absorbed by a material such as crystals, polymers, composites, liquids and liquid […]
Resource Materials to Learn More About FTIR
If anyone ever doubted that FTIR analysis is a lifetime study, he or she hasn’t scanned a life sciences or chemistry research library lately. With the advent of the Internet, much of what was once only available in print form is now available in an online and digital format as well. Following is a breakdown […]
CSI Miami Meets Minnesota’s Forensic Chemists
When we hear the term “forensic science,” we often think of the popular CSI crime shows. CSI stands for “crime scene investigation.” But, did you know that chemists, biologists and researchers all are involved with investigative chemistry and forensic analysis across industries? Manufacturers stand to lose millions of dollars in lost time and product if […]
Quality Control Testing Method: Ion Chromatography
Often, manufacturing isn’t finished when a product leaves the production line. Many products – for example, biomedical devices, electronics, and plastics– still have to be tested for cleanliness and contamination. And, sometimes, ion chromatography is the only technique that affords the necessary quantitative ionic cleanliness analysis. Ion chromatography (IC), also called ion exchange chromatography, is […]
Uses For Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Differential scanning calorimetry is a process widely used for both quality testing and research in different industries. DSC is a technique to measure the difference in heat required to increase the temperature of a sample versus a known reference sample. Using this technique, researchers and scientists are able to gather critical data before, during and […]
Auger Electron Spectroscopy Application: Product Quality and Safety
To understand the composition of surfaces or interfaces of a particular product, manufacturers may rely on an analytical technique called Auger electron spectroscopy. This information is important to product manufacturers as it tells the story behind product contaminations, stains and passivation layers. With this information, solutions to these problems become available. This ensures the quality […]
Ion Chromatography Application: Product Cleanliness Testing
Testing the cleanliness of a product after the manufacturing process is critical. Confirming a product is free from ionic contaminants insures quality and leads to fewer failures when products ship out to market. To guarantee the ionic cleanliness of products after manufacturing, a process called Ion Chromatography can be employed. The IC analysis process measures […]
Using GC/MS to Analyze Unknown Compounds In Manufacturing
During the manufacturing process unknown compounds may be left in a product. GC/MS is used by manufacturers to detect residual solvents trapped in a product either from the production line or cleaning process, trace levels of impurities in liquids, or atmospheric impurities in a sealed environment. The detection of these foreign compounds left behind may […]
Using ESCA for Chemical Analysis of Stainless Steel
The resistance of stainless steels to rust or corrosion is accomplished by passivation of the alloy to create a chromium-rich oxide layer. The ESCA technique is an excellent tool to monitor the quality of the stainless steel passivation layer. To understand the overall ESCA method and how it helps manufacturing needs, please refer to the […]
