Analysis of unknown substances
At INFINITIA, we offer an unknown substance analysis service, a key tool for identifying the composition and chemical structure of previously uncharacterized materials or mixtures. This activity is part of our expertise in molecular chemical characterization, which is essential in contexts where an in-depth understanding of the nature of a compound is required.
This type of analysis, based on principles of reverse engineering is essential when a company is faced with a sample of uncertain origin, the presence of unexpected impurities, contamination or needs to verify the authenticity of a formulation.
In our industrial laboratory, our analytical chemistry specialists apply advanced techniques such as mass spectrometry, gas or liquid chromatography, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman and UV-Vis to carry out both targeted studies and non-targeted tests (compositional screening).
Thanks to this comprehensive analytical capability, at INFINITIA we help our clients make decisions based on reliable chemical data, reducing technical risks, improving the quality of their processes, and driving the development of more robust and competitive products.
What does the analysis of unknown substances consist of?
The analysis of unknown substances consists of qualitatively and quantitatively identifying the compounds present in a sample, without the need to know their previous formulation.
At INFINITIA, we apply a combination of techniques such as gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and mass spectrometry to separate and identify the different substances. This analysis can be performed on both liquids and solids and is particularly useful for detecting unintentionally added compounds, residual traces, migrations, or contaminations.
Furthermore, at INFINITIA, we adapt the methodology to each specific case, allowing us to successfully handle a wide variety of samples, from complex industrial matrices to unknown waste or mixtures.
Benefits of unknown substance analysis
One of the main benefits of unknown substance analysis is its ability to provide clarity and technical support in solving critical problems.
This service is especially useful in cases of non-compliance, manufacturing incidents, differences between OK and NOK samples, or process validations. At INFINITIA, we have helped companies in sectors such as automotive, packaging, cosmetics, and food to identify the root cause of contamination or unexpected variations in their products. By providing a detailed view of the chemical composition, the analysis allows effective corrective actions to be implemented, regulatory risks to be avoided, and informed decisions to be made based on scientific evidence.
Unknown substance analysis at INFINITIA
At INFINITIA, we develop this service by combining a rigorous scientific approach with a deep understanding of industrial challenges. Our laboratory is equipped with high-resolution instrumentation to perform both targeted and exploratory compositional testing.
Thanks to this versatility, we can identify both major compounds and minor traces, even in complex matrices. Each study is approached in a personalized manner, from sample preparation to the interpretation of the technical report.
At INFINITIA, we not only identify what substances are present, but also help understand their origin, impact, and possible technical or regulatory implications for each company.
Types of Unknown Substance Analysis
At INFINITIA, we perform different types of chemical analysis and compositional testing to identify the nature, concentration, and possible origin of uncharacterized substances. Our goal is to accurately solve problems related to contamination, process failures, sample validation, and industrial quality control.
Compositional screening tests (non-targeted)
These tests allow us to detect unintentionally added or unknown substances without the need for a prior hypothesis. They are based on mass spectrometry coupled with gas chromatography (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography (LC-MS) techniques, which provide a complete fingerprint of the sample.
At INFINITIA, we use this type of analysis to compare OK and NOK samples, identify impurities in raw materials, or investigate unexpected residues in industrial products.
Chromatography-guided analysis
When the presence of certain compounds is suspected, we perform targeted analyses using gas chromatography (GC-FID) or liquid chromatography (HPLC). These techniques allow us to accurately quantify compounds such as volatile organics, plasticizers, solvents, additives, or contaminants.
At INFINITIA, we have applied this methodology to confirm the migration of plasticizers or verify the composition of cosmetic products with non-compliance alerts.
These techniques allow us to obtain the structural profile of unknown compounds present in a solid or liquid sample. At INFINITIA, we use infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Visible, and Raman spectroscopy to identify additives, polymers, surface contaminants, and degradation products.
For example, FTIR analysis enabled the detection of an additive not declared by the supplier that was altering the behavior of a defective material. Raman spectroscopy has proven particularly useful in the localized identification of contaminants on surfaces or microscopic inclusions, such as pigment residues, mineral fillers, or manufacturing residues, thanks to its ability to obtain chemical information without the need to prepare the sample.
Analysis of volatile and semi-volatile compounds
This type of study is especially useful when unusual odors are perceived or low boiling point residues are detected. At INFINITIA, we apply headspace-GC/MS techniques to identify volatile compounds emitted from polymeric materials, textiles, inks, or adhesives.
These analyses have been key in metallic materials and electronic components, where the release of VOCs affected product quality.
Compositional comparison of OK/NOK samples
When an unexpected variation between batches, materials, or products is detected, we perform compositional comparisons to identify chemical differences.
Through multi-technique analysis (chromatography, FTIR, and mass spectrometry), at INFINITIA we can detect traces that explain anomalous behavior in production.
Quantitative determination tests
When it is necessary to measure the concentration of a specific component, we use standardized quantification methods.
At INFINITIA, we use this technique to validate active ingredients in products, verify migration limits, or confirm technical specifications.
Examples include the quantification of additives in plastic masterbatches and solvent residues in painted components.
Applications of Unknown Substance Analysis
The compositional analysis of unknown substances is essential in many industrial sectors to resolve technical issues, verify regulatory compliance, or improve the quality of the final product.
Thanks to this service, at INFINITIA we help companies identify contamination, differences in composition, unwanted residues, or undeclared additives.
This approach is particularly useful in complex formulations, composite materials, or processes with multiple variables, where even the slightest chemical deviation can cause critical problems.
Automotive Industry
In the automotive industry, where reliability and safety are paramount, materials must meet demanding technical specifications. Analysis allows us to detect chemical deviations, identify the cause of non-conformities, and take corrective action in processes such as injection, painting, or assembly.
- Identification of organic or inorganic residues using GC-MS and FTIR.
- Compositional comparison between OK and NOK samples to detect small variations.
- Evaluation of alternative suppliers through compositional screening.
Food and Packaging Industry
The migration of substances or the presence of unauthorized compounds in contact with food poses a health and legal risk. Analysis ensures safety, regulatory compliance, and traceability of materials.
- Screening of unintended compounds (NIAS) with GC-MS and LC-MS.
- Detection of abnormal odors through VOC analysis.
- Control of additive migration such as plasticizers or antioxidants.
Cosmetics and Consumer Products
The presence of undeclared substances or cross-contamination can compromise the stability and legality of the product. Analysis ensures that formulas are safe and compliant before launch.
- Confirmation of active ingredients and concentration using HPLC.
- Identification of cross-contamination in production or packaging.
- Final screening of products to detect unauthorized compounds.
Plastics and Technical Composites
In plastics and composites, it is essential to validate that formulations are correct and free of problematic additives. Analysis helps to ensure resistance, appearance, and functionality.
- Identification of undeclared additives using FTIR and chromatography.
- Verification of mixtures and phase distribution in masterbatches.
- Post-failure analysis of parts with thermal or mechanical alterations.
Textiles, Inks, and Coatings
In these sectors, analysis allows for the validation of functional treatments, control of toxic residues, and assurance of the durability and safety of the final product.
- Analysis of VOCs in fabrics and inks to detect residual solvents.
- Verification of functional properties (antimicrobial, fire retardant).
- Detection of unexpected surface residues in finished products.
Analysis of Market Products for Manufacturing
The analysis of unknown substances allows existing products on the market to be studied to determine their composition and functionality. This information is key when you want to manufacture an equivalent formulation or develop a technical alternative.
- Identification of active ingredients, additives, and excipients in commercial products.
- Determination of proportions and compositional structure to replicate the observed functionality.
- Support in the design of new products based on established industry benchmarks.
Competitor Product Analysis
This type of analysis also allows us to detect technical advantages in competitor products and use them as a basis for improving our own formulations. Knowing what a successful product in the sector contains and how it is formulated is a strategic starting point for innovation.
- Compositional evaluation of competitor products with better performance.
- Detection of key differences from the current internal formulation.
- Optimization of the performance of your own product by incorporating identified functionalities.
Analysis of unknown substances: a key tool for decision-making
The analysis of unknown substances is a critical tool for ensuring the quality, safety, and functionality of products and materials in increasingly demanding industrial environments. The accurate identification of unknown compounds, whether through targeted studies or non-targeted compositional screening, enables companies to resolve complex issues, optimize their manufacturing processes, approve new materials and suppliers, and ensure regulatory compliance in highly regulated sectors.
At INFINITIA, we approach this service from a scientific and applied perspective, combining technical expertise, advanced analytical capabilities, and a deep understanding of industrial challenges. Thanks to our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and a multidisciplinary team specialising in analytical chemistry, we are able to tailor each analysis to the specific needs of the customer, whether to characterise a problematic sample, validate raw materials or compare differences between OK and NOK products.
In addition, we are seeing a clear trend towards the use of more sensitive techniques, such as mass spectrometry coupled with chromatography, which allow the detection of compounds at trace levels, as well as a growth in demand for non-targeted analyses to identify non-intentionally added substances (NIAS).
Having a technical partner such as INFINITIA to carry out these studies adds strategic value to companies, as they not only obtain an analytical result, but also a solid technical interpretation that is useful for decision-making. Our approach is based on the effective resolution of real problems, with maximum traceability and scientific rigor, helping our clients to prevent risks, reduce costs associated with failures, and differentiate themselves through the quality of their products.
