The Fluoride Factor: Measuring Fluoride Levels in Water with Ion Chromatography Fluoride in drinking water has been a subject of scientific interest, public health policy, and even political debate for decades. Known for its cavity-fighting properties, fluoride has been both celebrated and scrutinized, prompting researchers and citizens alike to take a closer look at how […]
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Using SHS-GC/MS to Detect VOCs in Plastic Food Bags
Does My Sandwich Taste Funny? A Real Science Experiment Inspired by a 14-Year-Old’s Lunchbox Complaint So here’s what happened. Our General Manager was doing his early-morning routine—packing his daughter Charlotte’s lunch before school. He reached for a generic sandwich bag (the kind you buy in bulk, naturally), popped in the turkey and cheese, and was […]
Detecting PFAS Through Total Fluorine Content: The Power of Combustion Ion Chromatography
Many everyday consumer products contain harmful chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their extreme resistance to chemical breakdown, PFAS are both incredibly useful and notoriously difficult to detect, isolate, and quantify. Their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have led to growing concerns and increased regulatory […]
Unlocking the Potential of GC/MS for PFAS Detection: A Focus on PFOA Quantification
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are under growing scrutiny due to their widespread environmental presence and significant potential impact on human health. This extensive group of chemicals, known for their persistence and bioaccumulative properties, is found in a variety of common products, including non-stick cookware, water-resistant textiles, and industrial applications. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) […]
What is Outgassing?
Here is what you should know about outgassing, including how it happens, why it can be an issue, and how you can understand and control it.
What is Polymer Testing and Why Is It Important?
Polymer testing is an essential part of quality assurance for modern day manufacturing. This is how it works and why it’s so important to get right.
How Scientific Material Characterization Works
Scientific material characterization is an essential part of modern life. It’s what allows us to understand what substances are made of, how they will react to different environments and stimuli, and what they should and should NOT be used for.
How Does Stainless Steel Coating Prevent Rust?
Did you know that the reason stainless steel resists rust and corrosion is that it has a very thin film coating its surface? This stainless steel coating is a byproduct of the metal elements within the stainless steel interacting with oxygen in the air, and it only forms under specific circumstances.
How to Read an IR Spectrum Chart
An Infrared Radiation spectrum chart, or IR spectrum chart, is the product of a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (or FTIR) material analysis test. FTIR tests are one of the most commonly conducted tests for characterizing molecules within a material largely because IR spectrum charts are so easy to produce, clear, and reliable. This is what […]
How Does Chemical Failure Analysis Work?
Failure analysis is an essential safety and quality assurance protocol for virtually all modern manufacturing processes. Before a product is deemed safe, professionals need to make sure it is going to perform its intended functions to exact specifications without compromise.