QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS

ELEMENT ANALYSIS, TRACE METAL ANALYSIS & MORE

CCT offers quantitative chemical analysis services to precisely measure the concentration, quantity, or percentage of one or more elements present in a sample. Our lab employs highly sensitive instrumentation for trace metal analysis. By combining quantitative analysis with qualitative techniques, we can identify the type and amount of each element in a sample for a complete elemental analysis.

ELEMENT ANALYSIS EXPERTISE

At CCT's lab in China, we offer various element analysis techniques that can provide either quantitative or semi-quantitative results for both liquid and solid samples. The most appropriate analysis method will depend on several factors, such as the type and quantity of the sample, the desired result, and cost considerations. Our team of experts can help determine the best method of analysis for your specific needs.

· Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES)

· ICP-AES Analysis

· ICP-MS Analysis

· Combustion Method of Carbon and Sulfur Determination

· Inert Gas Fusion

· Positive Material Identification Testing

· Wet Chemistry Analyses

The majority of the techniques available at CCT are capable of trace metal analysis and can detect concentrations in the parts-per-billion or parts-per-trillion range using advanced spectroscopy equipment. However, as these tests require a small sample to be removed from the material, they are generally considered to be destructive in nature.

TEST METHODS/SPECIFICATIONS

If you need quantitative chemistry testing services, rely on CCT to provide accurate results. Our lab is equipped to determine the composition of alloys, identify contaminants that may impact material performance, and address other issues or inquiries you may have. Our experienced team of chemists will conduct testing according to your specified standards and requirements, using the most effective and efficient methods available to meet your information and certification needs.

CCT CAPABILITIES

· Quantitative and semi-quantitative results (concentration, amount or percentage)

· Element analysis services, including trace metal analysis

· Test methods and equipment to analyze a range of sample types and sizes

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS PROCESSES

ATOMIC EMISSION SPECTROSCOPY

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES) is a technique used to determine major, minor, and trace elements present in a sample. In AES, atoms in the sample are energized to produce emission lines or wavelength bands of emitted light. The emission lines generated by the atoms are unique to each element, and the intensities of the lines are proportional to the number of atoms producing them. The analysis involves comparing the emission lines from the sample to known standards to identify the element and quantify its amount.

To prepare the sample for AES, it is ground to obtain a uniform, clean, flat surface. The atoms in the sample are then energized by a series of rapid, high-energy sparks in an argon-filled gap between an electrode (cathode) and the surface of the specimen. As the excited atoms in the plasma relax to a lower energy state, they emit light at characteristic wavelengths specific to each element.

ICP-AES ANALYSIS

ICP-AES is an elemental analysis technique used to determine the concentration of metallic elements in a test sample. Like AES, ICP-AES utilizes energized atoms to create emission lines or wavelength bands from emitted light. ICP-AES analysis can determine elemental concentrations from trace to major levels.

ICP-AES analysis can be performed on both solid and liquid samples, although solid samples must be first converted into liquid form by dissolving them in a solvent, typically an acid. The resulting solution is then introduced into the ICP as an aerosol of fine droplets produced by a nebulizer. The ICP plasma is created using argon gas, which is operated at atmospheric pressure and inductively coupled to a radio frequency electromagnetic field. The atomic emissions produced by the plasma are detected by a spectrometer. Computer software is used to control and monitor instrument functions, as well as process, store and output the results of the analysis.

ICP-MS ANALYSIS

ICP-MS analysis is a powerful technique that provides highly sensitive elemental analysis, capable of detecting trace levels of elements in a sample. ICP-MS spectrometers offer both qualitative and quantitative analysis capabilities, with the following features:

· Determination of a range of metals and several non-metals

· Detection and identification of trace unknowns

· Providing routine chemical testing for trace elements in super alloys and ultra-trace element analysis for high purity alloys

Similarly to ICP-AES analysis, liquid samples are introduced into the ICP-MS instrument via a nebulizer that produces a fine mist of the sample in high velocity argon gas. The aerosol then travels into a spray chamber where larger droplets are eliminated, and the remaining droplets that are small enough to be vaporized pass into the torch body. In the torch, the aerosol is mixed with more argon gas, and a coupling coil delivers radio frequency to the heated argon gas to generate an argon plasma. The high temperature of the plasma removes any residual solvent, leading to sample atomization and ionization.

COMBUSTION ANALYSIS

The determination of carbon and sulfur content in a material involves a high-temperature combustion process that converts them into oxide gases. The sample is combusted in a furnace at high temperature with the aid of oxygen. The resulting gases are then purified through a series of traps, absorbers, and converters to eliminate any interfering elements and ensure their structural integrity for detection. Infrared detection is used to measure the concentration of carbon or sulfur. This detection method is based on the principle that different gases absorb energy at specific wavelengths within the infrared spectrum. The amount of energy absorbed is proportional to the concentration of carbon or sulfur in the sample being tested.

INERT GAS FUSION

Ferrous and nonferrous materials can have gases such as hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, which can affect their mechanical properties. Inert gas fusion is used to determine the content of these gases. The process involves breaking the bonds between the gases and the material. The released gas is then analyzed using either an infrared or a thermo-conductivity detection system for quantitative analysis. By controlling the gas contents to low levels, the adverse effects on mechanical properties such as strength and ductility can be minimized.

POSITIVE MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION

At CCT, we utilize X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy as a non-destructive technique for Positive Material Identification. This method can directly analyze solid metal samples and thin metal films for major elements, and can also be used for screening metallic and non-metallic samples for RoHS compliance.

X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy involves irradiating the sample with a primary beam of X-rays generated by an X-ray tube. The sample elements absorb some of the X-rays, causing excitation and subsequent fluorescence emission of X-rays with characteristic energies for each element. The fluorescence X-rays are collimated and directed towards an X-ray detector, which records the energy and number of X-rays at each energy level.

The recorded X-ray intensities are compared to known standard values for positive material identification of the unknown specimen, as well as for semi-quantitative analysis of the elemental composition. This allow

WET CHEMISTRY

In the past, wet chemistry methods were commonly used for quantitative chemical analysis before the widespread availability of analytical instruments. This method involves dissolving the sample and carrying out a specific chemical reaction with a standardized reagent for each element of interest. While these techniques are not commonly requested today, our laboratory is still capable of performing them.