Compositional Analysis

Compositional analysis refers to the quantitative chemical and elemental characterization of materials and is a core capability in materials science research, quality assurance, failure analysis, and product development. Through compositional analysis, inorganic elements, organic molecules, and functional additives present in a sample can be identified, quantified, and spatially resolved. At Matexcel, compositional analysis is performed using a wide range of advanced analytical techniques, including HPLC, FTIR, ion chromatography, XRF, XRD, ICP-OES/ICP-MS, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, TGA, DSC, Py-GC-MS, and GPC. These techniques are not applied indiscriminately; instead, the analytical approach is carefully selected and adjusted throughout the testing process based on the actual characteristics and objectives of the sample analysis.

Why Compositional Analysis Matters

In materials research and industrial applications, compositional analysis enables:

Identification of unknown materials
Quantification of elemental and molecular constituents
Understanding structure–property relationships
Evaluation of additive systems and synergistic effects
Detection of impurities or foreign contaminants

For example, in biomass materials, properties such as char yield, combustion time, and combustion rate are strongly influenced by chemical composition. Bark-based pellets can exhibit up to 50% longer char combustion times than stem wood pellets due to differences in inorganic and organic constituents.

Quantitative chemical analysis is also widely applied in failure analysis, contamination investigations, and manufacturing process troubleshooting.

Analytical Outputs and Capabilities

Through compositional analysis of customer-provided samples, Matexcel can determine the presence of specific elements or chemical groups, measure absolute or relative concentrations, and map elemental distributions in two-dimensional or three-dimensional regions with sub-nanometer spatial resolution. Depending on sample type, both modern instrumental techniques and traditional wet chemistry methods, such as gravimetric and titrimetric analysis, may be employed. The use of complementary techniques ensures accuracy, reliability, and cross-validation of analytical results.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Analysis

Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that identifies and quantifies chemical species by measuring their mass-to-charge ratios. Samples in solid, liquid, or gaseous form are ionized, accelerated by electric or magnetic fields, and detected as characteristic mass spectra. Molecular identities can be determined through exact mass matching or diagnostic fragmentation patterns. To enhance separation efficiency and analytical resolution, mass spectrometry is routinely coupled with chromatographic or plasma-based techniques such as GC, LC, and ICP. Common implementations include GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, TOF-MS, and SIMS. These analyses are performed in accordance with widely accepted standards such as ASTM E1019 – Elemental analysis by combustion; ASTM D6730 – Trace elements by ICP-MS; ISO 17294 – ICP-MS for water quality; ASTM D5291 – Organic carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen by MS

Liquid Chromatography and Molecular Separation

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separates complex mixtures based on differential partitioning between stationary and mobile phases under high-pressure conditions. Individual components elute at different retention times and are detected as electrical signals, enabling both qualitative identification and quantitative determination. HPLC is extensively applied for the analysis of additives, degradation products, and specialty organic compounds in polymers and formulated materials. Standardized methodologies such as ASTM D5297, ISO 11338, and ASTM D4765 are commonly referenced to ensure data consistency and regulatory compliance.

Elemental Analysis by X-Ray and Atomic Spectroscopy

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) provides rapid, non-destructive elemental analysis of solids, powders, thin films, and petroleum-based materials by detecting characteristic X-ray emissions generated during sample irradiation. Quantitative results are obtained through comparison with certified reference standards. XRF testing is typically conducted in alignment with standards such as ASTM E1621, ASTM C114, ISO 9516, and ASTM D4294. For trace metal quantification, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is frequently employed. AAS determines elemental concentrations by measuring the absorption of characteristic radiation by ground-state atoms and follows established standards including ASTM D1976, ISO 8288, and ASTM D5863.

Vibrational and Optical Spectroscopy

Vibrational spectroscopy techniques, including FTIR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopy, are used to identify functional groups and molecular structures through characteristic bond vibrations. FTIR analysis, most commonly performed in the 4000–400 cm⁻¹ region, is particularly effective for identifying organic compounds and inorganic ions. Raman and NIR spectroscopy provide complementary information and are advantageous for certain materials where IR absorption is limited. These methods are conducted following recognized practices such as ASTM E1252, ISO 10640, ASTM E1840, and related standards. UV-Visible spectroscopy is also utilized for qualitative and quantitative analysis based on characteristic absorbance behavior governed by Lambert–Beer’s law, offering high sensitivity, rapid analysis, and cost efficiency in accordance with ASTM E275 and ISO 20404.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a robust technique for determining molecular structure, composition, and purity. It is particularly valuable for quantitative analysis of known compounds in mixtures as well as structural elucidation of unknown materials. NMR measurements rely on nuclear spin interactions in an external magnetic field and are interpreted as characteristic spectral patterns. Quantitative NMR analyses are performed following established guidelines such as ASTM E2159, ISO 16577, and ASTM D7804.

Customized Standards-Based Comprehensive Solutions

All compositional analysis services at Matexcel are customized to the specific material system and application requirements. ASTM, ISO, or equivalent international standards are applied whenever available, while validated in-house methods are used for non-standard or novel materials. By integrating multiple complementary techniques and adhering to recognized testing standards, Matexcel delivers accurate, reliable, and actionable compositional data to support research, development, and industrial decision-making.

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