Identification of matrices

The aim of matrix identification analysis is to determine the chemical and structural nature of an unknown substance , whether it is a liquid, a powder or a solid material. This service is essential for characterizing products, objects or samples whose composition is not known or partially documented.

Matrix identification can address a variety of issues: quality control, regulatory compliance, failure expertise or contamination analysis. It provides a complete chemical signature of the sample using approaches combining spectroscopy, chromatography and elemental analyses .

Analytical methods used

Several complementary techniques are used to guarantee reliable and exhaustive identification:

• Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) : allows the chemical fingerprint of a compound to be obtained from the vibrations of its molecular bonds.
• Raman spectroscopy (in addition to FTIR): useful for identifying polymers, pigments and mineral fillers.
• Chromatography (GC-MS, LC-MS) : separation and identification of volatile or semi-volatile organic components of a complex matrix.
• ICP-MS and ICP-OES : elemental dosage to determine the composition of metals, minerals or inorganic impurities.
• X-ray diffraction (XRD) : identification of crystalline phases and inorganic compounds present.

Depending on the nature of the material, these techniques can be combined to obtain a multi-technique analysis offering a high level of precision and traceability.

To go further, also discover:

• FTIR infrared spectroscopy ,
• Raman spectroscopy ,
• ICP-MS analysis for the detection of metallic elements,
• and HPLC chromatography for the identification of specific organic compounds.

Industrial applications

Matrix identification is used in many industrial and regulatory contexts:

• Materials and polymers : determination of the composition of a plastic, elastomer or composite in the event of non-conformity, aging or breakage.
• Food packaging : identification of constituent materials and verification of compatibility with food contact.
• Cosmetics and nutraceuticals : characterization of undocumented powders, extracts, pigments or active ingredients.
• Environment : identification of residues, particles, microplastics or contaminants in water, air or soil.
• Technical and legal expertise : analysis of unknown substances, traceability of origin, or counterfeiting control.

These analyses guarantee the conformity, safety and traceability of products, while providing objective evidence for technical or regulatory studies.

Analytical interest and complementarity

Matrix identification can be coupled with other tests for a complete understanding of the composition and behavior of the material:

• DSC thermal analysis to measure phase transitions;
• Thermogravimetric analysis TGA to study thermal stability;
• Accelerated aging test to observe chemical changes over time;
• Study of biocorrosion to identify microbial alterations of materials.

These integrated approaches allow for a complete characterization of materials and a better understanding of their behavior under real-life usage conditions.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of partner laboratories specialized in chemical and materials analysis , accredited ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC .
Our scientific teams select the method most suited to your problem: identification of unknown product, conformity control, failure expertise or regulatory analysis.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can centralize your analysis requests, track your samples and access your reports online. Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers in the materials, polymers, packaging and environmental with their identification and characterization needs.

To obtain a quote or a customized analytical solution, contact our scientific team today.