What is Industrial Chemistry?
Industrial chemistry is the process of transforming matter into materials that are useful to humanity through chemical processes. For example, the transformation of rubber into tires.
Industrial chemists use chemical testing and innovative ideas to solve problems and improve products. They are responsible for the creative use of chemicals to improve a product’s performance at the microscopic level.
Industrial chemistry is not to be confused with chemical engineering, which focuses more on how to process and produce goods using chemicals. Industrial chemists are more concerned with improving the production process.
For a more specific understanding, it is important to understand the different kinds of industrial chemistry.
Types of Industrial Chemistry
Industrial chemistry, like analytical chemistry, is a prominent component in many of the most familiar industries. Materials science, for example, focuses on turning chemicals into materials like consumer rubber or waterproof fabrics. Cosmetic industrial chemistry challenges chemists to formulate newer and more advanced makeup and care products.
Some of the most common types of chemical testing include:
- Inks, coatings, and thin films
- Human and Veterinary Pharmaceuticals
- Household care
No matter what type or end-goal application, industrial chemistry always requires careful, repeatable testing. At ACE Products and Consulting, our state of the art testing laboratory is committed to repeatable, reputable physical and analytical testing on which our clients—and their product’s end users—can depend.
What is Wet Chemistry?
Wet chemistry is chemistry in which most analyzing is completed while chemicals are in the liquid phase. This is an important part of any analytical testing lab.
Experimentation, analysis, and testing techniques common to wet chemistry include measuring conductivity, heat capacity, density, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, and other qualities of chemicals in liquid form.
These measurements tell us a great deal about a material’s properties. Using the knowledge gained through wet chemistry, ACE’s lab technicians can help you predict the end performance of your product, conduct research and development, and meet industry standard requirements.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Our Scanning Electron Microscope is key for understanding your material’s depth and structure. The microscope is capable of high-resolution imaging, so we can observe your material sample with great detail.
As a result, the qualitative, quantitative, and thickness analysis we perform on your material is more thorough and revelatory than it would be with a typical microscope.
With this level of depth in your product analysis, you can take innovations and advancements further than ever before.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
At ACE, we use differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), a thermoanalytical technique, to determine the difference in the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of a sample.
Our ASTM D7426 test method is used to analyze the glass transition temperatures of materials using DSC. If your material drops below that determined glass transition temperature in its real-life application, it will become brittle and glass-like. Therefore, this test is essential for determining the strength and usefulness of any material that will encounter colder temperatures.
Another DSC test, ASTM D3418, used DSC as a method for determining three main factors: transition temperatures, enthalpies of fusion, and crystallization of polymers.
Transition temperatures are tested to determine at what temperature your material loses certain qualities.
We measure enthalpies of fusion to determine the change in enthalpy, or total heat content, of your material when we change its state from a solid to a liquid by applying energy.
Data regarding the crystallization of polymers is taken when your material cools from a melt. We can observe crystallization and determine its effects on the optical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of your polymers.
Understanding the properties of your material in the context of these three factors helps you create a high quality product, able to withstand the necessary elements for its given end use.
Material Screening with Thermogravimetric Analysis
If you are trying to solve a problem related to quality control and material screening, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) will be a useful test method for you. The test is based on thermogravimetric analysis theory, which is rooted in the idea that when a material is heated, its mass changes. When combined with DSC, the process is known as simultaneous thermal analysis.
When we use this test method, we can determine the amounts of organics, carbon black, and ash in a rubber compound.
To determine these amounts, we measure the mass of your sample over time as we change the temperature. The observations about mass give us information about the contents of your material.
This test method is popular among those looking to perform a compositional analysis. Understanding your material makes it simple to compare it to a known material.
The moisture analysis test method does essentially what you would expect: it determines the moisture content of raw materials and compounds.
To do so, we place the sample in the moisture analyzer to be weighed. We then heat the sample with an infrared radiator, continuing to track the weight.
When the sample stops losing weight, we stop heating it and compare the new and initial weights to calculate the sample’s moisture determinations. Trace amounts of moisture in a sample are better detected using Karl Fischer Titration.
Moisture content determination is typically part of routine, regular testing to ensure the quality of your product. With our Sartorius moisture analyzer, ACE delivers quick, accurate results without a hassle.
These results are useful for research and development projects, as well as quality control monitoring.
Analytical Testing You can Trust
If you’re looking for an accredited, trustworthy, and responsive lab to take your material to the next level, give ACE Products and Consulting a call. We’re ready to meet your challenges with an innovative attitude and the qualifications to back it up.
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