Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC)
Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) enables the determination of halogens and sulfur in solid, liquid, and gaseous sample matrices. It supports quality control, environmental analysis, and the evaluation of material requirements. An important area of application is the determination of fluorine content and total fluorine parameters as a screening method for potential PFAS contamination.
Table of Contents
- What is Combustion Ion Chromatography?
- How does Combustion Ion Chromatography work?
- Combustion Ion Chromatography at Quality Analysis
- Combustion IC for the determination of total parameters
- Practical application of CIC
- Frequently asked questions about CIC
- You might also be interested in
- Summary: Combustion Ion Chromatography
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What is combustion ion chromatography?
Combustion ion chromatography (CIC) is a highly specialized analytical technique used to determine inorganic ions, particularly halides (fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide), as well as sulfur and nitrogen in various materials. By combining high-temperature combustion with ion chromatography, CIC offers an effective solution for the analysis of complex samples, ranging from environmental samples such as water and soil to solid and liquid organic substances.
How does Combustion Ion Chromatography work?
Combustion IC combines ion chromatography (IC) with a combustion process. This makes combustion ion chromatography suitable for analyzing solid or gaseous samples.
Sample Preparation
Before samples can be analyzed using combustion ion chromatography (CIC), it must be ensured that they are in optimal condition for the combustion process. Depending on the nature of the sample (solid, liquid, or gaseous) and the specific matrix, the preparation steps may include homogenization, drying, grinding, or dilution. For solid samples, for example, it is necessary to grind them into a fine, homogeneous form—such as with a cryogenic mill—to ensure efficient pyrolysis and combustion.
Combustion
To prepare solid or liquid samples for analysis in an ion chromatograph, they are pyrolyzed inside the furnace unit in an argon/oxygen atmosphere. This enables the conversion of all halogen compounds into a gaseous state. To prevent a memory effect, combustion takes place with a continuous supply of argon as the carrier gas. The resulting gaseous compounds are then absorbed by a capture liquid. The elements are ionized in this solution.
Sample Analysis
The collection solution is then injected fully automatically into the chromatographic system. In Ion Chromatography (IC), the anions present are separated from one another on a separation column, detected, and quantified. To determine the concentration, the peak areas are compared with standards of known concentration. This allows the individual anions in the solution to be identified. The control software coordinates the injection, records the measurement signals, and supports the evaluation of the results for a precise and reproducible analysis.
Combustion Ion Chromatography
at Quality Analysis
At Quality Analysis, we rely on combustion ion chromatography (CIC) to determine halogen and sulfur content in industrial and environmental samples. Our expertise enables us to provide valuable insights into contamination by organic halogen compounds. To assess potential PFAS contamination, we determine the Total Fluorine Content (TF) and appropriate Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) parameters. The results support material evaluation, quality control, and the selection of further investigations.
- Fast and reliable solution for your halogen analysis (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine)
- Determination of halogen and sulfur concentrations in a wide variety of matrices
- PFAS screening: Determination of total fluorine parameters in suitable water, soil, and plastic samples—depending on the matrix and sample preparation
- The analysis meets the requirements of: ASTM D7359-23 and ASTM D5987-96(2007)
- Determination is performed in accordance with DIN EN 228 for fuels, DIN 51727 for testing solid fuels, and DIN EN 62321-3-2 for screening total bromine
- Testing for halogen-free status and to verify compliance with regulatory requirements (RoHS/WEEE/IEC 60502-1)
The Combustion IC for determining total parameters
With proper sample preparation, CIC enables the determination of various total halogen parameters. These include, for example, AOX and EOX, which measure adsorbable and extractable organically bound halogens, respectively. For the analysis of fluorine-containing compounds, total fluorine parameters such as TF, TOF, AOF or EOF are used. The choice of parameter depends on the sample matrix and the analytical objective.
Combustion Ion Chromatography and the analysis of PFAS
The CIC supports the assessment of potential PFAS contamination by determining total fluorine parameters. TF describes the total fluorine content, including both organically and inorganically bound fluorine. TOF measures organically bound fluorine, AOF measures the adsorbable fraction, and EOF measures the extractable fraction of organically bound fluorine. Each determination requires appropriate sample preparation.
These values do not constitute specific detection of individual PFAS, as other fluorine-containing compounds may also be detected. Supplementary substance-specific analyses are required for the identification and quantification of specific PFAS.
Practical Applications of CIC
Combustion ion chromatography (CIC) is used to determine halogen and sulfur content in various sample matrices. The results support the testing of raw materials and products, the comparison of batches, and the evaluation of specified material requirements. Total fluorine parameters also provide information on fluorine-containing constituents and potential PFAS contamination.
Electronics Manufacturing
For Printed Circuit Board (PCB) materials, cable insulation, and other materials used in electronics manufacturing, CIC enables the determination of halogen content. This analysis supports the evaluation of material requirements, such as limits on chlorine and bromine content. Unusual results may prompt further testing to determine which halogen-containing compounds are present in the material.
Plastics Analysis
In plastic raw materials and finished plastic components, we use CIC to determine halogen and sulfur content. The results support the comparison of materials and batches as well as the evaluation of customer-specific specifications. The determination of the total fluorine content (TF) and appropriate total organic fluorine (TOF) parameters also provides indications of fluorine-containing constituents and potential PFAS contamination.
Packaging Analysis
For packaging materials such as plastics, paper composites, and coatings , the CIC enables the determination of the total fluorine content (TF) and other halogen contents. Supplementary total fluorine parameters are selected to suit the matrix and the specific research question. The results assist manufacturers and suppliers in material evaluation and provide an analytical basis for testing product-specific requirements.
Toys & Baby Products
Plastics, coatings and textiles from toys and baby products can be tested using CIC for halogen content and appropriate total fluorine parameters. This allows materials to be tested for indications of fluorinated ingredients and potential PFAS contamination. The results support the evaluation of supplier materials and the decision as to whether additional substance-specific analyses are necessary.
Environmental Analysis
In water, wastewater, and suitable solid samples, the CIC method—with appropriate sample preparation—can be used to determine halogen concentrations and total organic fluorine (TOF) parameters. Depending on the matrix and the research question, methods such as AOF or EOF are used. The results help assess contamination levels from organofluorine compounds and evaluate the need for further investigations.
Frequently asked questions about CIC
CIC is suitable for a wide range of solid and liquid samples, such as plastics, packaging materials, coatings, and oils. Water and environmental samples can also be analyzed with appropriate sample preparation. The choice of analysis depends on the sample matrix, the elements of interest, and the specific research question.
The CIC determines fluoride concentrations and—depending on sample preparation—total organic fluorine parameters such as TOF, AOF, or EOF. These can provide indications of potential PFAS contamination, but they also detect other fluorine-containing compounds. Additional substance-specific analyses are required to identify and quantify individual PFAS.
The CIC method can be used to determine the levels of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. The results can be compared with the limit values specified in a given material specification. Whether a material is considered halogen-free depends on the specific requirements, the halogens being tested, and the detection limits of the test method.
Summary: Combustion Ion Chromatography
Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) supports the assessment of halogen concentrations and potential PFAS contamination in a wide variety of samples by combining ion chromatography with a combustion process in a fully automated manner. It is particularly valuable for environmental analysis, quality control, and research, as it offers precise quantification of halogens and sulfur compounds. Thanks to its ability to analyze solid, liquid, and gaseous samples, CIC plays a crucial role in the detection of PFAS and the verification of halogen-free status in various materials.