Solutions for Contaminant Analysis

Significance of Contaminant Analysis

Industrial and consumer products across food, pharmaceutical, automotive and electronic sectors can be compromised by microscopic contaminants. Effective failure identification and quality assurance demand precise analysis of these contaminants’ chemical and physical properties to trace their origin, prevent recurrence and ensure product safety.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents a comprehensive suite of analytical methods and instrumentation offered by Shimadzu for contaminant analysis. It outlines a decision flowchart for selecting techniques based on contaminant size and composition, describes key instruments (EDX, FTIR, infrared and Raman microscopes, EPMA), introduces integrated software for data fusion, and highlights sample handling tools and spectral libraries.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Contaminant identification follows a stepwise approach:

• Visual inspection under a stereomicroscope to determine shape and metallic luster.
• Elemental screening by X-ray fluorescence (EDX) for inorganic constituents; electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) for micro-scale elemental mapping.
• Organic and mixed-material analysis by FTIR spectroscopy with single-reflection ATR or infrared microscopy (AIMsight) and Raman microscopy (AIRsight) for sub-10 µm particles.
• Integrated EDX-FTIR software (EDXIR-Analysis) combines elemental and spectral data for streamlined identification and library comparison.
• Sample handling using the EDXIR-Holder to transfer and retain the same specimen between EDX and FTIR measurements without loss.

Main Results and Discussion

EDX analysis of metal fragments on plastic and confectionery substrates demonstrated that adjusting the irradiation field diameter improved signal-to-noise and revealed trace elements (e.g., lead in brass). FTIR ATR spectroscopy successfully characterized UV-degraded polycarbonate in automotive headlight covers. Infrared microscopy (AIMsight) detected rubber additives and mineral fillers on battery cells, while Raman microscopy identified iron oxide residues on medicinal tablets when IR techniques failed. EPMA elemental mapping of a black contaminant on frozen pizza suggested a mixture of burned oil, fluoropolymers and stainless steel particulates from processing equipment. Integrated EDXIR-Analysis software provided automated qualitative matches against a 485-entry library, identified mixed polymer blends and quantified similarity scores for quality verification.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Non-destructive analysis preserves evidence and enables multiple tests on the same specimen.
• Size-based technique selection ensures optimal sensitivity for micro- to millimeter-scale contaminants.
• Integrated software accelerates decision-making by uniting elemental and molecular data streams.
• Custom spectral libraries for UV/thermal-degraded plastics and common water/food contaminants enhance identification accuracy.
• EDXIR-Holder simplifies sample transfer, reducing handling time and risk of loss.

Instrumentation Used

• EDX-7200/8100 energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometers
• FTIR system with single-reflection ATR accessory (Plastic Analyzer) and IRSpirit unit
• AIMsight infrared microscope and AIRsight Raman/IR microscope
• IRTracer-100 Raman spectrophotometer
• EPMA-1720 Series and EPMA-8050G electron probe microanalyzers
• EDXIR-Analysis integrated software
• EDXIR-Holder contaminant retainer

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in high-resolution imaging and hyperspectral mapping promise deeper insights into complex mixtures and nano-scale particles. Artificial intelligence and machine learning integration could automate contaminant recognition and source attribution. Expansion of comprehensive, sector-specific spectral libraries and real-time online monitoring capabilities will further streamline failure analysis and quality control across industries.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s integrated approach to contaminant analysis combines size-based method selection, non-destructive elemental and molecular techniques, specialized software and practical sample handling accessories. This toolkit delivers rapid, accurate identification of diverse contaminants, supporting improved product safety, regulatory compliance and process optimization.