(866) 778-ARDL(2735)
Ask an Expert

Ash Analysis

Ash Analysis is performed in order to evaluate the weight percent of total fillers in rubber compounds.  Fillers are typically non-reinforcing, inorganic additives such as clays, chalk, metal oxides, silicas and silicates added to modify and improve on certain physical or physical-chemical properties such as resistance to abrasion, permeation, swell, tear, or perhaps even modifying product cost without reducing the required performance.

ARDL’s methodologies for Ash Analysis can be found on our Ash Content page.

Available Methods

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Part 1: Introduction to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

  1. Overview of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
    • Definition and brief history of FTIR.
    • Development of FTIR spectroscopy: From dispersive to Fourier transform technology.
    • The role of FTIR in analytical chemistry and material science.
    • Comparison of FTIR with other spectroscopy techniques (e.g., UV-Vis, NMR, XPS).
  2. Principles of FTIR Spectroscopy
    • Basic theory of infrared radiation and its interaction with matter.
    • Vibrational modes in molecules: Stretching, bending, and torsional motions.
    • The relationship between molecular vibrations and infrared absorption.
    • Fourier transform mathematics: How it converts raw data into a usable spectrum.
    • Transmission vs. Reflectance vs. Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) modes in FTIR.
  3. FTIR Instrumentation
    • Description of the key components of an FTIR spectrometer:
      • Infrared light source
      • Interferometer (Michelson interferometer)
      • Sample holder (e.g., ATR, transmission cells)
      • Detector (e.g., DTGS, MCT)
    • The role of each component in the FTIR process.
    • Different types of FTIR instruments and configurations.
    • Recent advancements in FTIR instrumentation: Miniaturization, portable FTIR devices.

Part 2: Sample Preparation and Analytical Techniques

  1. Sample Preparation for FTIR Testing
    • Techniques for preparing samples: Solid, liquid, and gas-phase samples.
    • Sample handling in FTIR: Pressing solids into pellets, thin films, or powders.
    • Liquid sample analysis: Using liquid cells and transmission techniques.
    • Gas-phase FTIR: Sample chambers, sealed cells, and real-time monitoring.
    • Importance of sample purity and handling to avoid contamination or interference.
  2. FTIR Data Acquisition
    • The process of acquiring spectra: Scanning range, resolution, and scan speed.
    • Overview of typical infrared spectral ranges (Mid-IR, Near-IR, Far-IR).
    • Signal-to-noise ratio: How to optimize for high-quality data.
    • The effect of resolution on data quality and analysis.
  3. Quantitative and Qualitative FTIR Analysis
    • Qualitative analysis: Identifying functional groups, molecular structures, and chemical bonds.
    • Quantitative FTIR: Calibration curves, internal standards, and concentration analysis.
    • Use of FTIR in identifying unknown compounds and contaminants in complex mixtures.
    • Limitations of FTIR in quantitative analysis and the importance of complementary techniques.

Part 3: Advanced FTIR Techniques and Applications

  1. Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) FTIR
    • Principle and operation of ATR FTIR.
    • Advantages of ATR in analyzing surfaces, thin films, and heterogeneous samples.
    • The role of the depth of penetration in ATR.
    • Applications of ATR FTIR in material science, polymers, and coatings.
  2. Diffuse Reflectance FTIR
    • How diffuse reflectance FTIR works: Sampling powders and rough surfaces.
    • Differences between transmission, ATR, and diffuse reflectance modes.
    • Applications in analyzing solid materials, minerals, and soil samples.
  3. FTIR Imaging and Mapping
    • Introduction to FTIR microscopy and imaging: High spatial resolution.
    • FTIR imaging in material science, biological studies, and polymer analysis.
    • Advantages of FTIR imaging in identifying spatial distributions of chemical components.
  4. Time-Resolved FTIR
    • Principle of time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy.
    • Applications in studying kinetic processes, reaction mechanisms, and molecular dynamics.
    • Case studies in catalysis, polymers, and biological systems.
  5. Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (Micro-FTIR)
    • The role of micro-FTIR in analyzing microscopic samples and small regions of materials.
    • Applications in the semiconductor industry, forensics, and high-precision materials analysis.
    • Combining micro-FTIR with imaging techniques for detailed molecular characterization.

Part 4: Applications of FTIR Spectroscopy

  1. FTIR in Material Science
    • Application of FTIR in studying polymers: Characterization of functional groups, molecular weight, and crystallinity.
    • Use of FTIR in the analysis of composite materials, coatings, and adhesives.
    • FTIR in nanomaterials research: Monitoring surface chemistry and nanoparticle interactions.
  2. FTIR in Environmental and Analytical Chemistry
    • Applications in monitoring air quality: Identifying pollutants and greenhouse gases.
    • Water quality testing: Detection of organic contaminants and pollutants in water.
    • Soil and waste analysis: Detection of heavy metals and organic compounds in environmental samples.
  3. FTIR in Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
    • Use of FTIR in pharmaceutical formulation: Identifying excipients, APIs, and stability studies.
    • Applications in quality control and assurance in pharmaceutical production.
    • FTIR for biotechnology: Protein folding, peptide analysis, and pharmaceutical process monitoring.
  4. FTIR in Forensic Science
    • Application of FTIR in forensic investigations: Drug analysis, toxicology, and fiber identification.
    • Identification of unknown substances in crime scene investigation.
    • Using FTIR for evidence analysis in forensics and criminal investigations.
  5. FTIR in Food and Agriculture
    • FTIR for food quality control: Detection of adulterants, contamination, and preservatives.
    • Applications in agricultural science: Analysis of soil, fertilizers, and plant materials.
    • FTIR for monitoring food processing and storage conditions.
  6. FTIR in Polymers and Plastics
    • FTIR as a tool for polymer characterization: Chain structure, additives, and degradation.
    • The role of FTIR in polymer research and development.
    • FTIR in recycling and waste management: Identification of plastic types and contamination.
  7. FTIR in Art Conservation and Archaeology
    • Application of FTIR in the analysis of pigments, dyes, and materials in art objects.
    • FTIR as a non-destructive method for studying cultural heritage artifacts.
    • Use of FTIR in identifying degradation processes in ancient artifacts and works of art.

Part 5: Data Interpretation and Challenges in FTIR Testing

  1. Interpreting FTIR Spectra
    • Basics of spectral interpretation: Identifying peaks and understanding functional groups.
    • The role of database libraries in identifying unknown compounds.
    • Advanced techniques for complex data interpretation: Multivariate analysis, chemometrics, and spectral deconvolution.
    • Common challenges in FTIR interpretation: Overlapping bands, interference from moisture or contaminants.
  2. Challenges and Limitations of FTIR Spectroscopy
    • Sensitivity limitations: Detecting low concentrations of compounds.
    • Matrix effects: How sample composition and environmental factors can interfere with results.
    • Sample preparation challenges: Proper handling and preparation to avoid contamination or spectral distortion.
  3. Quantification and Calibration Issues in FTIR
    • Calibration methods for quantification: Calibration curves, internal standards, and multi-component analysis.
    • Dealing with matrix effects in quantitative analysis.
    • Ensuring accuracy and precision in FTIR-based quantification.

Part 6: FTIR Standards, Validation, and Quality Assurance

  1. Standards and Regulations for FTIR Testing
    • International standards: ASTM, ISO, and other governing bodies.
    • Regulatory frameworks and guidelines for FTIR analysis in various industries.
    • Quality control and validation of FTIR instruments and results.
  2. Validation and Calibration of FTIR Instruments
    • Methods for instrument calibration: Wavelength accuracy, resolution, and sensitivity.
    • Validation procedures for FTIR testing in compliance with regulatory standards.
    • Periodic maintenance and performance verification.

Part 7: Future Directions and Advances in FTIR Spectroscopy

  1. Innovations in FTIR Spectroscopy
    • New developments in FTIR technology: Faster scanning, higher resolution, and improved detectors.
    • Integration of FTIR with other techniques: GC-FTIR, LC-FTIR, and FTIR with mass spectrometry.
    • Portable FTIR: The rise of handheld and mobile devices for on-site analysis.
  2. Emerging Applications of FTIR
    • FTIR in real-time monitoring and process control.
    • Application of FTIR in wearable devices for health monitoring.
    • The role of FTIR in the growing field of personalized medicine and diagnostics.
  3. The Future of FTIR Spectroscopy in Research and Industry
    • The evolving role of FTIR in various fields: Healthcare, environmental monitoring, material science, and forensic analysis.
    • The impact of automation and artificial intelligence on FTIR data analysis and interpretation.
    • Potential future applications and technological breakthroughs in FTIR spectroscopy.

Part 8: Conclusion

  1. Summary of Key Concepts and Applications
    • Recap of the importance of FTIR spectroscopy in diverse scientific and industrial fields.
    • The versatility of FTIR as a non-destructive, highly sensitive analytical technique.
    • The potential for future advancements and innovations in FTIR spectroscopy.
  2. Future Trends and Final Thoughts
    • Final thoughts on the continued importance and expansion of FTIR applications.
    • The role of FTIR in solving current and future analytical challenges.
    • The future outlook for FTIR spectroscopy in research, industry, and beyond.

ASTM E1252

Elements in Water by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

Part 1: Introduction to ICP-MS and Water Testing

  1. Overview of Water Quality Testing
    • Importance of water quality testing in public health, industrial processes, and environmental monitoring.
    • Regulatory standards for water quality: WHO, EPA, ISO.
    • Common contaminants in water: Heavy metals, metalloids, and other trace elements.
  2. Introduction to Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
    • Brief history of ICP-MS development.
    • The principle of ICP-MS and its evolution as an analytical technique.
    • Comparison with other methods: Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), graphite furnace AAS, ICP-OES.
    • Advantages of ICP-MS over other methods in terms of sensitivity, detection limits, and multi-element analysis.
  3. Principle of ICP-MS
    • Description of the components of ICP-MS: Plasma torch, ion source, mass spectrometer, and detector.
    • Mechanism of ionization and how it relates to the detection of elements in water.
    • Key steps in ICP-MS analysis: Sample introduction, ionization, mass selection, and quantification.

Part 2: The ICP-MS Instrumentation and Operation

  1. ICP-MS Instrumentation
    • Detailed breakdown of the components of an ICP-MS system:
      • Plasma torch
      • Nebulizer and spray chamber
      • Interface region
      • Quadrupole and ion detector
    • Function and operation of each component and how they contribute to the analysis of elements in water.
  2. Sample Preparation for ICP-MS
    • Importance of sample preparation in ensuring accurate results.
    • Sample types: Drinking water, wastewater, surface water, ground water, and industrial water.
    • Techniques for sample collection, preservation, and transportation.
    • Common methods of sample digestion: Acid digestion, microwave digestion, and filtration.
    • Sample matrix effects: How high concentrations of salts or organic matter in water can impact results and mitigation strategies.
  3. Calibration and Standardization
    • Calibration procedures in ICP-MS testing.
    • Standard calibration curves and the use of internal standards.
    • External standard calibration vs. internal standard calibration.
    • Quality control methods: Blank, spiked samples, and certified reference materials.

Part 3: Analytical Methods and ICP-MS Applications

  1. Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis Using ICP-MS
    • How ICP-MS detects and quantifies elements in water.
    • The role of isotopic ratios and mass-to-charge ratios in element identification.
    • Interferences and their effects on ICP-MS analysis.
      • Isobaric interferences
      • Polyatomic interferences
      • Solutions for minimizing interferences: Collision/reaction cell technology.
  2. Detection Limits and Sensitivity
    • Sensitivity of ICP-MS: Low detection limits for trace and ultra-trace elements.
    • How detection limits vary for different elements.
    • Calculating detection limits: Signal-to-noise ratio and method detection limit (MDL).
  3. Applications of ICP-MS in Water Testing
    • Determination of trace metals in drinking water: Lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, etc.
    • Environmental monitoring: Monitoring contaminants in surface and groundwater.
    • Industrial applications: Monitoring heavy metals in wastewater from manufacturing processes.
    • Regulatory compliance: Meeting EPA and WHO guidelines for elemental concentration in water.
    • Special applications: Detection of metalloids, rare earth elements, and isotopic analysis for tracer studies.

Part 4: Interference Management and Data Interpretation

  1. Interferences in ICP-MS and Their Mitigation
    • Understanding and identifying interferences in ICP-MS.
    • Methods for minimizing or eliminating spectral and matrix interferences.
    • Techniques such as reaction cells and collision cells for interference reduction.
    • Strategies for dealing with high total dissolved solids (TDS) and organic compounds in water samples.
  2. Data Analysis and Quality Assurance
    • Data acquisition: Time-resolved and peak hopping methods.
    • Software used for data analysis and results reporting.
    • Statistical analysis in ICP-MS data: Precision, accuracy, and reproducibility.
    • Quality assurance practices: Calibration checks, duplicate samples, and proficiency testing.
  3. Challenges in ICP-MS Water Testing
    • Challenges faced in trace element detection in complex water matrices.
    • Sample preparation challenges with high-salinity or organic-rich water.
    • Addressing issues like matrix effects, sample contamination, and detection limits.

Part 5: Regulatory Standards, Validation, and Compliance

  1. Regulatory Standards for Water Quality
    • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards for drinking water (Safe Drinking Water Act).
    • WHO guidelines on water quality: Maximum allowable concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements.
    • International standards (ISO, ASTM) for water testing and analysis.
    • National regulations for wastewater testing.
  2. Validation of ICP-MS Water Testing Methods
    • Method validation protocols for ICP-MS in water testing.
    • Establishing accuracy, precision, and reproducibility in test methods.
    • Field and laboratory validation: Challenges and solutions.
    • Importance of proficiency testing and participation in inter-laboratory studies.
  3. Compliance with Regulatory Limits
    • Case studies: ICP-MS in compliance with EPA standards for lead and arsenic in drinking water.
    • Examples of non-compliance and its impact on public health and industry.
    • Corrective actions and the role of ICP-MS testing in improving water quality standards.

Part 6: Case Studies and Real-World Applications

  1. Case Study: ICP-MS for Drinking Water Contamination Testing
    • Detection of lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals in drinking water.
    • Analysis of water quality before and after treatment processes.
    • The role of ICP-MS in regulatory enforcement and public health protection.
  2. Case Study: Industrial Water Analysis for Wastewater Monitoring
    • Applications of ICP-MS in the analysis of wastewater discharges from industrial facilities.
    • Determining heavy metal contamination and the impact on ecosystems.
    • The role of ICP-MS in environmental compliance and pollution control.
  3. Case Study: Environmental Monitoring of Surface and Groundwater
    • Using ICP-MS to monitor trace element levels in rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
    • Investigating sources of contamination and tracking pollutant levels over time.
    • Long-term environmental impact studies: Heavy metals in agricultural runoff, urban water systems.

Part 7: Future Trends and Advancements in ICP-MS Water Testing

  1. Advances in ICP-MS Technology
    • Next-generation ICP-MS systems: Advances in sensitivity, speed, and resolution.
    • Multi-element and isotopic analysis: How ICP-MS is evolving for new applications.
    • New ionization techniques: Exploring laser ablation ICP-MS, coupling with chromatography systems.
  2. Emerging Contaminants and Their Detection
    • The detection of pharmaceutical residues, personal care products, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
    • The role of ICP-MS in tracking microplastics and emerging pollutants in water.
    • Real-time water quality monitoring using portable ICP-MS devices.
  3. Integration of ICP-MS with Other Analytical Techniques
    • Hyphenation of ICP-MS with other techniques such as liquid chromatography (LC-ICP-MS), gas chromatography (GC-ICP-MS), and tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS).
    • Benefits and challenges of combining ICP-MS with other technologies for comprehensive water analysis.
    • Case studies of integrated techniques for specific water quality assessments.

Part 8: Conclusion

  1. Summary of Key Points
    • A recap of the essential aspects of ICP-MS testing for elements in water.
    • The advantages of ICP-MS for detecting trace elements and heavy metals in water samples.
    • The role of ICP-MS in meeting regulatory requirements and safeguarding public health.
  2. Future Directions in Water Quality Testing
    • How ICP-MS and related technologies will continue to evolve in response to emerging water quality concerns.
    • The increasing importance of real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making in water quality management.
    • Closing thoughts on the future of water testing and ICP-MS applications in ensuring safe water for all.
ASTM D5673

If you are interested in a method that is not listed here, please contact us about custom testing. Chances are, we can help. And if not, we may know someone who can.

Let Us Help!

Request A Quote Ask An Expert

Search ARDL