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Technical Cleanliness Verification
Analysis options at a glance
The spectrum of analytical methods ranges from simple methods such as the determination of the surface tension by means of test ink, the gravimetric determination of the contamination using spectroscopic methods for material identification, or complex methods such as gas chromatography or ion chromatography. In the video, we show you our analytical methods:
Local and integral measurement methods
for filmic contamination:
- Determination of the surface tension by means of test ink
- Detection of filmic contamination by means of fluorescence measurement
- Quantification of organic compounds using gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionisation detector (FID)
- Identification and quantification of organic compounds using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometer (MS)
- Verification and material identification using RAMAN and FTIR spectroscopy
- Identification and quantification of ionic compounds using ion chromatography (IC)
- Gravimetric assessment (e.g. in accordance with ASTM G93)
TEST INK
Contaminated surfaces are more difficult to wet than clean surfaces. Good wettability is the basic prerequisite for coating with paints, printing inks or adhesives. A simple method for the measurement of the surface tension on a very wide range of materials is to use test inks. For this purpose, we apply test ink to the surface. If the lines remain stable, the surface is easy to wet. The surface of the substrate then corresponds as a minimum to the surface tension of the test ink. If the ink pulls together, the wettability of the substrate is lower than that of the test ink used. The procedure is then repeated with a test ink with a lower surface tension. The higher the value is for the surface tension, the cleaner the surface. The surface tension/surface energy is stated in mN/m.
FLUORESCENCE MEASUREMENT
Organic contaminating films such as greases, oils or wax fluoresce if they are excited using UV light. Materials that do not fluoresce can also be rendered visible by including fluorescing dyes as markers. In this way we can verify, quickly and without contact, the presence of organic substances on metallic surfaces. We only need an absolutely clean surface as a reference. The higher the fluorescence value measured, the thicker the filmic contamination. The measured value is stated in RFU (Relative Fluorescence Units).
VERIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION USING RAMAN AND FTIR SPECTROSCOPY
Chemical-filmic contamination such as oils, greases, cooling lubricants, cleaning agents, preservatives, solvents and more can be analysed directly on the surface of the component using the spectroscopic analytical methods RAMAN and FTIR. These measurement and analytical methods provide qualitative measured values. This means we can verify the presence of contamination and identify it unambiguously. Reference databases are required for these near-surface analytical methods.
VERIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION USING GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY (GC-FID)
For this purpose, we extract the contamination from the component using a suitable solvent and analyse the organic residues released using gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID). As a result we obtain the sum of the soluble organic contamination in mg/component or in mg/m².
IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION USING GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY (GC-MS)
For this purpose, we extract the contamination from the component using a suitable solvent and analyse the organic residues released using gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). As a result we obtain the sum of the soluble organic contamination in mg/component or in mg/m², as well as the identification of the individual components.
GRAVIMETRIC ASSESSMENT
Here we extract the contamination from the component using a suitable solvent and separate the solid residues using filtration. After the evaporation of the solvent, we determine the mass of the soluble residues gravimetrically using an analytical balance. The result is stated in mg/component or in mg/m².
Application examples and possible uses
The analysis of chemical-filmic contamination helps, for example, to characterise surface pre-treatments. In addition, we can analyse the adhesion and the stability of bonded joints and coatings. We check the wettability of plastic, ceramic, paper, glass, metal or wood. And we undertake quality control on wafers and microelectronics as well as inspect the purity of the surface of a component.
Added value at quality analysis
Speed
You receive from us precise measurement results, even at short notice. We have both the necessary personnel and the state-of-the-art analysis systems.
Analysis spectrum
We have various methods for the reliable detection of chemical-filmic contamination.
No standards
The lack of standards and limits as well as the large number of chemical analytical methods requires an individual analysis strategy.
Accreditation
The accreditation of our inspection methods and measuring rooms signifies for you certainty, dependability and objectivity.
Accredited test laboratory
for technical cleanliness verification
The identification and quantification of organic and inorganic substances, materials, residues, deposits and contamination using FTlR and energy-dispersive (EDX) spectroscopy are accredited by Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025. Furthermore, all our other specialist areas have also been accredited.
You can read more about the advantages our accreditation offers you here:
QUALITY ANALYSIS
THE RIGHT PARTNER for
contaminating films
Do you require a sound analysis of your filmic contamination at short notice? Then you are in the right place. We would be pleased to advise you about the best, most cost-effective and efficient analytical method.