Chemical Analysis Services
Chemical analysis is routinely performed to identify unknown components, obtain physical characteristics or chemical composition, and determine the quality of materials.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Chemical Analysis Services Overview
Chemical analysis determines the composition of a material – what it is made of, what is present at trace levels, what contaminants or impurities are there, and whether the material is what it claims to be. It is one of the most fundamental services in materials testing, sitting at the foundation of quality control, failure investigation, regulatory compliance, and product development across virtually every industry.
The techniques available for chemical analysis span a wide range, chosen based on what needs to be measured. Elemental analysis – quantifying which elements are present and at what concentration – is performed by ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRF, and GD-MS, covering everything from major alloying elements to sub-ppb trace metals. Molecular and organic analysis – identifying compounds, functional groups, and molecular structure – is performed by FTIR, Raman, GC-MS, NMR, and HPLC. Wet chemical methods (titrimetry, gravimetry, spectrophotometry) remain the referee approaches for specific analytes in defined matrices. And specialized techniques such as combustion analysis (C, H, N, O, S) and ion chromatography address specific analyte classes.
The right technique depends on the material, the analytes of interest, and the required sensitivity. A trace metal contamination problem calls for ICP-MS; identifying an unknown polymer calls for FTIR; characterizing a complex organic mixture calls for GC-MS. Chemical analysis underpins composition verification, contamination investigation, incoming material acceptance, reverse engineering, and regulatory substance screening across metals, polymers, chemicals, foods, pharmaceuticals, and electronic materials.
Chemical Analysis Services Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
Chemical analysis covers the identification and quantification of elemental, molecular, and organic composition of materials using the appropriate analytical technique, from major constituents down to trace and ultra-trace levels.
Key technique families within the scope include:
- ICP-MS / ICP-OES – inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and optical emission spectrometry for multi-element trace and major-element analysis in dissolved samples; ICP-MS for ultra-trace levels (ppb–ppt), ICP-OES for higher concentrations
- XRF (X-ray fluorescence) – non-destructive elemental analysis of solids, powders, and liquids; used for bulk composition, alloy identification, coating thickness, and RoHS/restricted substance screening
- GD-MS (Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry) – ultra-trace elemental analysis of solid conductors and semiconductors with very low detection limits
- FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) – molecular identification of polymers, organics, coatings, and unknowns through their characteristic infrared absorption spectrum
- GC-MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) – separation and identification of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in complex mixtures; key for residual solvents, contaminants, and environmental analysis
- NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) – structural determination and purity assessment of organic compounds and polymers
- Raman Spectroscopy – molecular identification and phase/polymorph analysis, complementary to FTIR
- Combustion analysis (CHNS/O) – quantification of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen by high-temperature combustion
- Ion chromatography (IC) – quantification of anions and cations in solution
- Wet chemical methods – titrimetry, gravimetry, spectrophotometry for specific analytes per standardized methods (ASTM, AOAC, pharmacopeial)
- HPLC – separation and quantification of non-volatile organic compounds, including additives and contaminants
Applications
- Material composition verification – confirming that a metal, polymer, chemical, or pharmaceutical meets its specified composition before use or sale
- Alloy and metal identification – determining the elemental composition of metals and alloys for grade confirmation and incoming material verification
- Trace metal and contaminant analysis – detecting and quantifying trace metals, heavy metals, and inorganic contaminants in materials, products, and environmental samples
- Polymer and organic identification – identifying unknown polymers, coatings, and organic materials by FTIR, Raman, or GC-MS
- Failure investigation – determining the composition of unknown residues, deposits, inclusions, or contaminants that contributed to a product failure
- Restricted substance screening – analyzing for RoHS-restricted elements, REACH substances of concern, and other regulated materials
- Residual solvent and VOC analysis – detecting residual solvents and volatile organic compounds in pharmaceuticals, food packaging, and consumer products
- Environmental and water analysis – quantifying metals, anions, and organic contaminants in water, soil, and air samples
Benefits
- Identifies what is in a material, not just what it should be – chemical analysis provides objective, measured composition data rather than relying on documentation alone
- Covers everything from major to ultra-trace levels – the combination of techniques addresses bulk composition through to sub-ppb trace contaminants
- Selects the right tool for the question – matching the technique to the analyte (elemental vs. molecular, bulk vs. trace, inorganic vs. organic) gives accurate, relevant results where a single method would not
- Supports failure investigation and unknown identification – chemical analysis is often the key step in determining why a material failed or what an unknown substance is
- Enables regulatory and specification conformance – composition data supports RoHS/REACH screening, pharmacopeial testing, and material specification conformance
- Applicable across all material classes – metals, polymers, ceramics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, foods, and environmental samples all fall within the scope of chemical analysis
Chemical Analysis Services Test Process
Select the Technique
Define the analytical objective and choose the appropriate method based on the sample, analytes, and detection limits.
1Prepare the Sample
Digest, extract, mount, or otherwise prepare the sample according to the selected technique.
2Perform the Analysis
Test the sample using calibrated instruments, standards, blanks, and reference materials.
3Interpret and Report
Determine composition or concentration and report the results with methods, conditions, and specification compliance.
4Chemical Analysis Services Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Molecular / Organic Techniques | FTIR, Raman, GC-MS, NMR, HPLC, IC |
| Wet Chemical | Titrimetric, gravimetry, spectrophotometry |
| Elemental Range | Major (%) to ultra-trace (ppt) depending on technique |
| Sample Types | Metals, polymers, ceramics, chemicals, food, water, environmental |
| Key Applications | Composition verification, trace/contaminant analysis, unknown identification, purity, RoHS/REACH |
| Calibration | Certified reference standards and traceable calibration |
Instrumentation Used for Chemical Analysis Services
- ICP-MS and ICP-OES (multi-element solution analysis)
- XRF spectrometer (solid and solution elemental analysis)
- GD-MS (solid ultra-trace elemental analysis)
- FTIR spectrometer (molecular identification)
- Raman spectrometer (molecular/phase identification)
- GC-MS system (organic compound separation and identification)
- NMR spectrometer (structural/purity analysis)
- HPLC system (non-volatile organic quantification)
- Ion chromatograph (anion/cation analysis)
- Combustion analyzer (CHNS/O)
- Wet chemistry equipment (titration, gravimetry, spectrophotometry)
- Sample digestion and preparation equipment
Chemical Analysis Services Results and Deliverables
- Chemical analysis report – the analytes measured, technique used, measured concentrations or identifications, and the method and calibration documented
- Elemental composition – concentrations of specified or all detected elements with the technique and detection limits
- Molecular/compound identification – identified compounds or functional groups with spectral data (FTIR, Raman, GC-MS, NMR)
- Quantitative organic results – concentrations of specified organic analytes (GC-MS, HPLC, IC)
- Comparison against specification (where provided) – measured values against the compositional or purity requirement with pass/fail
- Spectral/chromatographic data – raw and interpreted spectra or chromatograms supporting the identification or quantification
- Sample records – material description, preparation method, and identification
Frequently Asked Questions
Testing can be performed on metals, polymers, ceramics, chemicals, coatings, pharmaceuticals, fuels and environmental samples. Solids, liquids, powders and gases may all be evaluated.
Chemical composition can directly affect product quality, safety and performance. Testing supports material verification, quality control, product development and failure investigation.
Organic compounds are commonly analysed using gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, FTIR, NMR and mass spectrometry. These methods can identify additives, solvents, contaminants and degradation products.
Samples may be dissolved, digested, extracted, ground or diluted before testing. Proper preparation helps ensure that the analysed portion is representative and compatible with the instrument.
Sampling errors, contamination, incomplete digestion, instrument calibration and matrix interference can influence accuracy. Suitable reference materials and quality-control checks are used to improve reliability.
Why Choose Infinita Lab for Advanced Materials Testing and Characterization?
At the core of this breadth is our network of 2,000+ accredited laboratories across the USA, offering access to over 10,000 testing methods and analytical services. From advanced materials characterization (SEM, TEM, RBS, XPS) to mechanical, chemical, environmental, biological, and standardized ASTM/ISO-compliant testing, we deliver unmatched flexibility, specialization, and scale. You are never limited by geography, facility, or methodology — Infinita Lab connects you to the right expertise and testing solution, every time.
Looking for a Trusted Partner for Accurate and Reliable Testing Services?
Send query us at hello@infinitalab.com or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you.
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