Chemical Consulting Lab (CCL)
Who we are
The Chemical Consulting Lab (CCL) acts as a concierge to connect partners with the breadth of MWAC’s analytical capabilities and instrumentation.
We offer both routine analysis and custom methodologies for product development, materials characterisation, manufacturing investigation, legal and insurance work.ÌýWe are one of six labs in Australia accredited to test aluminium composite panels (ACP) and associated materials.
At CCL, we take care of the entire project lifecycle, from initiation through to invoicing, and coordinate across multiple labs on your behalf. Our partners span government bodies, legal firms, commercial enterprises, and private individuals.ÌýÌý
Capabilities
Case studies
- Mirror tarnishing
- Production line contaminant
- Soil contaminants
- Device component failure
Our client was investigating edge tarnishing noted by their customers on their mirror products following installation. We were asked to investigate the nature of the tarnishing and determine possible causes.
Visual examination:ÌýThe sample was inspected and a significant brown tarnish was noted at all edges of the product. The silvering of the mirror was examined and was found to have formed a dark brown compound, which was delaminating from the glass substrate.
Scanning electron microscopy using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX):ÌýA section of degraded material was analysed for elemental composition and compared to a control point. There was evidence for the formation of silver chloride producing the brown solid.
Analysis indicated that the cause of the defect was the result of chloride salts interacting with the mirror from external sources likely from cleaning products used after installation.
Our client presented a solid floating contaminant identified in a final product taken from the production line. The client requested analysis of the material to determine its composition and possible sources. The floating object, resembling a 5-cent coin, measured approximately 1.3 cm in diameter. It had an off-white colour with dark brown edges and a mottled brown/black appearance on the top and bottom surfaces. The material was notably soft upon inspection.
Solvent extraction:Ìýseparated the organic and inorganic components of the contaminant.
Attenuated total reflectance: fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis:Ìýexamined both the organic and inorganic portions of the extracted sample.Ìý
Scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX): assessed the surface and elemental composition of the contaminant – in particular, variation in composition of the white and brown areas.
The contaminant was identified as a combination of organic and inorganic matter. The organic matter was identified as paraffin/hydrocarbon grease, while the inorganic material primarily consisted of iron oxide, sodium chloride, and calcium carbonate. Notably, iron oxide and sodium chloride were predominant at several points.
A client provided a soil sample that was suspected to contain unidentified contaminants. We were asked to verify the contaminants present and compare them to materials used at the site.
Solvent extractions: isolated organic compounds.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: identified organic compounds.Ìý
Comparison with reference materials ruled out standard materials used on the site and necessitated a more comprehensive characterisation of the soil.
Solvent extraction:Ìýselectively isolated different organic components.
Elemental analysis:Ìýverified the identity of the materials by comparing them against theoretical compositions and in-house analytical-grade reference materials.
Gravimetric ashing over a range of temperatures:Ìýassessed the quantity of moisture, volatile organics, and total organic matter.
Alongside the organic material extracted from the sample, a mass balance of the soil was completed to deliver a weight percentage breakdown. It was determined that a significant portion of the mass was volatile in nature.
Gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy (GC-MS):Ìýidentified volatile solvent compounds and verified the mass balance.
The final composition data was used to assess the soil from a safety perspective and determine best approaches for handling and mitigating any risks associated with the materials.Ìý
A client presented a specialised device component with micron scale features that encountered performance issues after a change in supplier process. Due to the nature of the product, several factors were considered potential root causes: changes in surface chemistry, surface roughness and surface contamination.Ìý
UV-ozone cleaning:Ìýremoved low levels of organic contaminants present on the surface prior to analysis.
Atomic force microscopy (AFM):Ìýexamined surface roughness in control and test samples across a range of points.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS):Ìýdetermined the surface composition.
Scanning electron microscopy – energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX):Ìýexamined surface contamination.
Analysis revealed the presence of small fragments of metallic contaminants within the small-scale features of the surface. A cleaning protocol using sonication and UV-ozone treatment was developed to return all components to original performance.Ìý
Our people
Working with us
Contact us to discuss your project and how we can best support your research objectives. As each project is unique, we provide a quotation tailored to those requirements.
The Chemical Consulting Lab simplifies the process for industry partners to access the full suite of MWAC expertise and technology. We take care of the entire project lifecycle, from initiation through to invoicing, and coordinate across multiple labs on your behalf.
-
We will schedule a meeting to discuss your project objectives and intended outcomes.Ìý
-
We will liaise with the relevant labs to provide a detailed project plan that includes a unique quote and timeline.Ìý
-
Your project will be completed within 10 business days following receipt of samples. Please advise if you require an urgent turnaround. Should your priorities or goals change during the project, CCL will connect you with MWAC expertise to allow for rapid adjustments. We can also facilitate lab tours.Ìý
-
Following successful completion of your project, payment can be made via credit card or invoice.Ìý
Contact us
Chemical Consulting Lab
G01/G04
Dalton Building F12
ÑÇÃÀÆåÅÆ, NSW 2033
Phone: 02 9348 1400
Email: ccl@unsw.edu.au