Whilst many of our testing protocols are generally run according to standard methodologies (ISO, EN, BS, ASTM, DIN, etc), tailored analysis and testing can be developed for specific applications. Some typical analytes are provided for information below. Determinations can be performed from 100% to sub ppm levels.

We have extensive experience of analysing a wide range of materials including ceramics, raw materials, mortars, metals, polymers, natural materials, waste streams, gas and air monitoring, conformity to legislation, components and consumer products. Data is collected using a combination of instrumental techniques including X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP) with more traditional analytical techniques available.

Analytical Techniques

• XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry)
• ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy)
• ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry)
• IC (Ion Chromatography)
• GC (Gas Chromatography)
• GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)
• FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis)
• SEM/EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Analysis)
• XRD (X-Ray Diffraction)
• GPC (Gel Permeability Chromatography)
• NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)

Typical applications for these analyses are:

• Quality control testing - to ensure materials and products conform to a specification
• Legislative checks - e.g. toxic metals, ROHS, Waste Acceptance Criteria
• Identification - re-engineering
• Occupational hygiene - toxic metals
• Problem solving - contamination, discoloration, corrosion, investigation into abnormal behaviour.

Typical Analytes

• SiO₂, TiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, MgO, K₂O, Na₂O, P₂O₅, Cr₂O₃, Mn₃O₄, ZrO₂, PbO

Typical Materials

• Ceramics
• Tiles
• Clay sand rocks
• Mortars
• Screeds and plasters
• Electro ceramics
• Rubbers and plastics
• Investment castings
• Gas
• Electrical components
• Biomedical materials (including calcium phosphates)
• Tableware
• Sanitaryware
• Natural stone
• Concrete
• Building products
• Industrial ceramics
• Metals
• Leachates and waters
• Soils.
• Waste streams for disposal and recycling.