Elemental analysis and chemical composition
Elemental analysis and the determination of the chemical composition of materials is a key tool in reverse engineering processes, providing in-depth knowledge of the nature of a substance and predicting its behavior in industrial applications.
At INFINITIA, we develop this service with a rigorous scientific and technical approach, using advanced technologies to deliver accurate and relevant results. Our team of specialists works from our industrial laboratory to solve complex challenges related to quality, reliability, or new product development, based on detailed knowledge of their composition.
This type of analysis allows us to detect both major elements and traces, identify contaminants, verify the quality of raw materials, and establish comparisons between formulations.
At INFINITIA, we use a wide range of analytical techniques—such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS, and CHNS-O—that are tailored to the requirements of each project.
Thanks to our multidisciplinary approach, elemental analysis becomes a strategic tool for sectors such as automotive, electronics, packaging, metallurgy, and food, where chemical composition has a direct impact on the functionality and safety of products.
What is elemental analysis and chemical composition determination?
Elemental analysis consists of quantifying the chemical elements present in a sample, whether in high concentrations or trace levels. The objective is to obtain a complete compositional profile that allows informed decisions to be made during the development, validation, or quality control of materials.
The analysis can focus on inorganic elements (metals and non-metals) or organic elements such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen (CHNS-O).
At INFINITIA, we combine techniques such as optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), combustion analysis (CHNS-O), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and LIBS spectroscopy, among others.
Each technique allows us to respond to different needs: from the characterization of metal alloys to the analysis of polymers, waste, soils or biocompatibility. In addition, we apply rapid and non-destructive methods when it is necessary to preserve the sample.
Benefits of elemental chemical analysis for industry
The main value of chemical composition analysis is that it provides objective and quantitative information about materials, which is essential for decision-making in industrial processes.
With this service, companies can validate the quality of their raw materials, ensure the compliance of their products with regulations or specifications, and even detect deviations that could lead to service failures. At INFINITIA, we also apply this type of analysis in forensic engineering studies to investigate the origin of defects or contamination.
Real-world examples include controlling the composition of steels for critical applications, detecting contaminants in recycled plastics, and verifying trace elements in electronic circuits.
Thanks to our scientific approach and technical interpretation aligned with the industrial context, our reports allow you to act quickly and accurately in the event of quality issues, process optimization, or innovative product development.
Elemental analysis at INFINITIA: technology and specialized approach
At INFINITIA, we have an industrial laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technologies for chemical and elemental analysis. Our team is made up of specialists in analytical chemistry, materials science, and engineering, which allows us to adapt each analysis to the customer’s requirements and the functional context of the material. We offer everything from routine characterization to complex studies, including microanalysis using SEM-EDS or evaluation of residual elements in metals.
Our processes are carried out under quality and traceability protocols, and we work closely with our customers in demanding sectors such as automotive, component and machinery manufacturing.
In addition, we can complement the analyses with studies on behavior, aging, compatibility and approval, or counterfeit detection, depending on the project’s needs.
In short, elemental analysis and chemical composition characterization are an essential part of INFINITIA’s technical approach to solving industrial challenges with objective data, interpreted with applied vision.
Types of Elemental Analysis and Chemical Composition
At INFINITIA, we perform different types of elemental analysis and chemical composition studies to characterize materials used in demanding industrial processes.
Our goal is to accurately identify the elements present, their proportion, distribution, and effect on the functional properties of the final product. This allows us to optimize formulations, validate raw materials, detect contamination, or study the origin of a failure.
Analysis of major elements and inorganic traces
These tests allow us to quantify metals and non-metals in concentrations ranging from the percentage range to trace levels (ppm, ppb, or even ppt).
We use techniques such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), plasma-coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
These techniques are essential for verifying the composition of metal alloys, validating mineral raw materials, or detecting impurities in technical polymers.
For example, at INFINITIA, we have used ICP-MS to identify contaminants in electronic components that were affecting their functionality.
Combustion elemental analysis (CHNS-O)
This type of analysis focuses on determining the proportion of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen in organic materials, polymers, soils, biomass, or food compounds.
We use automatic analyzers such as Elementar or LECO. CHNS analysis is crucial in industries where it is necessary to know the elemental formula of the product or validate its stability against thermal processes.
In a case for the energy sector, we applied this technique to characterize waste and evaluate its potential recyclability.
We determine oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen in high-purity metals using specific analyzers based on inert fusion or thermal reduction. This information is critical in stainless steels, titanium, or superalloys, where the presence of these gases directly affects ductility, corrosion resistance, or mechanical behavior.
At INFINITIA, we carry out this type of testing for manufacturers of high-performance components.
Rapid and non-destructive analysis
We use technologies such as LIBS (laser-induced plasma spectroscopy) or portable XRF to perform rapid chemical analysis without the need to dissolve the sample.
These techniques are ideal for field inspections, production line validation, or classification of recycled metals.
In a case involving an industrial machinery manufacturer, it was not possible to take a sample, but thanks to these analyses, we were able to determine the type of alloy, resolve a fault, and prevent it from recurring in the future.
Chemical and surface microanalysis
Using techniques such as SEM-EDS or EPMA, we analyze the specific chemical composition of samples at the micrometric level.
This capability is essential for investigating contaminating particles, functional coatings, or failure mechanisms at the microstructural level.
At INFINITIA, for example, we have used SEM-EDS to identify metal inclusions causing cracks in plastic components.
Oxidation, stability, and complementary thermal analysis tests
Through techniques such as TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), DSC, or ignition loss analysis, we determine the indirect presence of elements such as oxygen or volatile components.
This type of testing is useful for analyzing thermal stability, mineral content, or residual composition.
At INFINITIA, we have applied it in reverse engineering processes where it was necessary to verify that the batches provided by the supplier were correct.
Applications of Chemical and Elemental Analysis
Elemental analysis and characterization of chemical composition are essential to ensure the quality, functionality, and regulatory compliance of materials used in industrial products.
At INFINITIA, we apply these analyses as an integral part of validation, quality control, formulation optimization, and fault diagnosis processes.
Thanks to our analytical capabilities and applied vision, we provide accurate and customized solutions to sectors that require high standards of reliability and traceability.
Automotive
In the automotive sector, demands in terms of structural strength, durability, weight, and safety require exhaustive control over the chemical composition of all materials used.
From high-strength steels to technical thermoplastics, elemental validation prevents premature failure and ensures regulatory compliance.
At INFINITIA, we collaborate with manufacturers and suppliers to verify alloys, detect contaminants, and validate new, lighter, and more sustainable materials.
- Trace element analysis in critical components.
- Chemical validation of technical polymers.
- Conformity assessment of metal parts according to international standards.
Food and Packaging Industry
The food and packaging industry requires strict control over the chemical safety of materials in contact with food. Through elemental analysis, we can detect potentially migratable substances, validate the absence of heavy metals, and verify the actual composition of plastics, films, or inks.
At INFINITIA, we develop tests to optimize packaging solutions that are more sustainable without compromising safety.
- Detection of heavy metals in packaging by ICP-MS.
- Analysis of chlorine and fluorine in plastics by IC combustion
- Validation of barrier films by CHNS and thermal analysis.
Medical Devices
The materials used in medical devices—whether implantable, disposable, or long-term use—must meet rigorous requirements for biocompatibility, chemical stability, and absence of toxicity.
Through elemental analysis, we can detect trace metals, halogen residues, or undesirable additives that could compromise patient safety or device efficacy.
At INFINITIA, we collaborate with manufacturers to validate batch composition, identify critical deviations, and ensure compatibility with sterilization processes.
- Oxygen analysis in implantable steels.
- Verification of the absence of residues in devices.
- Study of organic materials using CHNS-O and microscopy.
Electronics and Energy
In electronics, energy storage systems, and connected devices, the materials used must be electrically stable, thermally resistant, and chemically reliable.
Elemental chemical analysis is key to validating formulations for welds, conductive pastes, encapsulants, and dielectrics.
It also allows the detection of metallic or halogenated impurities that could compromise the performance, service life, or safety of the system.
At INFINITIA, we perform these controls both in development processes and in production validation.
- Analysis of metals in PCBs using ICP-MS.
- Detection of residues in components with AAS and XRF.
- Control of residual gases in high-demand components.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry
The chemical and pharmaceutical industries require precise and traceable control of the elemental composition of raw materials, intermediate products, and final products.
Whether to ensure reproducibility between batches, validate the concentration of active ingredients, or detect traces of catalysts, chemical analysis allows compliance with strict regulations and maintains the quality of the final product.
At INFINITIA, we integrate these techniques into validation and formulation improvement processes, both in production and R&D environments.
- Verification of elemental composition of batches
- Control of catalytic metals
- Detection of unwanted residues
INFINITIA as a strategic partner in chemical analysis: precision, reliability, and applied vision
Elemental analysis and chemical composition determination are essential tools for guaranteeing the quality, safety, and functionality of materials used in complex industrial processes.
From raw material validation to failure investigation and new product development, these analyses enable decisions based on objective and accurate data.
In an increasingly demanding and regulatory industrial environment, having reliable chemical information is essential to ensure traceability, regulatory compliance, and competitiveness. At INFINITIA, we approach chemical and elemental analysis with an applied, scientific, and multidisciplinary perspective.
Our ability to select the right technique (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, CHNS-O, SEM-EDS, XRF, among many others), interpret the results based on the context of use, and offer technical recommendations makes us a strategic partner for companies seeking to optimize materials, minimize risks, and accelerate innovation.
We tailor each project to the specific needs of the client, integrating our expertise in analytical chemistry, materials engineering, and forensic engineering.
Looking to the future, chemical analysis will continue to evolve with faster, more automated, and more sensitive techniques, enabling online controls, full traceability, and predictive analysis. In this context, having a partner like INFINITIA, capable of combining advanced technology with expert knowledge, represents a competitive advantage for any industrial company.
If you are looking for a laboratory specialising in elemental analysis and chemical composition, capable of solving real challenges in quality, innovation or reliability, at INFINITIA we have the tools, the team and the experience to support you.
Contact us and discover how we can help you transform data into decisions.
