Laboratory for analysis and expertise

IR expertise in the laboratory

Addressing your identification challenges through infrared spectroscopy

When an industrial manufacturer is faced with a part failure, an adhesion issue, a color change, suspected contamination or uncertainty about the nature of a material, they need a fast, actionable analytical answer. IR expertise makes it possible to efficiently guide the identification of organic compounds, polymers, coatings, deposits, residues, and surface defects. This approach is particularly useful in quality control, R&D support, non-conformity investigations, and chemical compatibility studies.

Customer issues addressed by IR expertise

IR expertise is suitable when you need to confirm the identity of a material, compare a compliant product with a defective one, characterize a deposit, investigate oxidation, or understand the origin of an appearance defect. It can also be used in the event of a supplier change, process drift, a quality dispute, or a need to remove doubt before industrialization. As part of a broader investigation, it can be complemented by surface examinations through our Laboratoire Analyse Meb or by a metallurgical approach via Laboratoire analysis Met.

Analytical resources used

The laboratory relies on characterization equipment suited to industrial needs and on a structured analytical approach. Infrared analysis provides information on the chemical functions present and on the nature of the material analyzed. Depending on the case, the study can be carried out on raw material, cross-section, deposit, surface, or collected residue. The results are interpreted by specialists, taking into account the process context, the failure history, and the reference materials provided by the client.

Support focused on results

The laboratory supports industrial clients looking for a responsive partner to handle their analytical issues without overburdening internal resources. The goal is not only to produce a spectrum, but to provide an actionable answer for decision-making: release a batch, investigate a non-conformity, qualify a material, secure a change, or document a technical file. This tailor-made approach is based on defining a targeted study plan and on business-oriented interpretation of the results.

Implementing reliable, interpretable IR expertise tailored to your industry

Our laboratory supports industrial clients in developing and using robust analytical methods, from the initial need through to result interpretation. Infrared analysis is part of a broader approach that may include material characterization, impurity screening, the study of leachables, assessment of container-content interactions, or support in failure analysis. Depending on the matrix and the objective, IR can be combined with other analytical techniques to deliver a more complete and more secure conclusion.

Industrial applications and matrices analyzed

Infrared spectroscopy infrared applies to many solid, liquid, or semi-solid matrices: polymers, elastomers, films, packaging, coatings, technical parts, residues, powders, and organic mixtures. It is useful for material characterization in a wide range of sectors: healthcare, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical devices, packaging, energy, transport, and industrial goods. For normative needs or advanced characterization, this expertise can be integrated into broader studies such as Laboratoire Analyse Iso 21392 or targeted investigations of material defects such as Analyse Inclusion Laboratoire.

Cross-checking approach to secure interpretation

To strengthen the reliability of the conclusions, IR can be combined with other advanced techniques available in the laboratory: liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, ICP, ICP-MS, ion chromatography, pyrolysis GC/MS, leachables analysis, chemical compatibility testing, or microscopic examinations. This complementarity makes it possible to distinguish a simple formulation variation from a real contamination, thermal degradation, oxidation, or chemical degradation. Analytical development projects can also be carried out within an R&D framework eligible through Laboratoire Agree Cir.

Guarantees tailored to industrial challenges

The laboratory is independent and COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited for part of its activities, with an organization designed to meet the needs of R&D, process optimization, and regulatory testing. The teams mobilize human, technical, and bibliographic resources specific to the client's field of activity. This ability to combine analytical development, method validation, material characterization, and failure analysis is a major asset for industrial clients across all sectors.

Define, analyze, interpret, secure

To kick off your project, you need to define the analytical objective, provide the technical context, compare a compliant sample and a non-compliant sample if possible, then entrust the study to a laboratory capable of interpreting the results within their industrial environment. Our team can help you establish a tailor-made analysis plan, carry out the appropriate tests, and guide any additional investigations if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How can a material, contaminant, or degradation be identified quickly through IR expertise?

IR expertise provides a characteristic spectral fingerprint of a material or compound, making it possible to compare, confirm, or differentiate substances. It is particularly relevant for identifying polymers, varnishes, adhesives, organic residues, deposits, contaminants, and degradation products. In an industrial context, it helps determine the origin of a non-conformity, verify a raw material, compare two batches, or document chemical degradation.

In which cases should you call on IR expertise at the FILAB laboratory?

It is relevant to request IR expertise whenever you need to quickly identify the chemical nature of a material or residue, compare samples, confirm a degradation hypothesis, or guide a root-cause investigation. This technique is particularly effective as a first-line method for organic and polymeric matrices.

What technical means are used for a relevant infrared analysis?

Relevant IR analysis relies on three elements: a representative sample, preparation adapted to the matrix, and expert interpretation of the spectra. When necessary, the laboratory complements IR with other techniques to confirm identification, quantify compounds, or link the results to a process or material cause.

Why entrust your IR expertise to the Filab laboratory?

Choosing Filab laboratory for IR expertise means benefiting from an independent laboratory capable of linking analytical data to a concrete industrial issue. You gain faster investigation, higher-quality interpretation, and greater security in your technical decisions.

How do you start an IR expertise request for your product or material?

Getting in touch, describing the issue, sending the samples, validating the study plan, and receiving actionable interpretation: this is the most effective approach to start an IR expertise and obtain an answer suited to your time, quality, and decision-making constraints.
The filab advantages
A highly qualified team
A highly qualified team
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
(Staves available on www.cofrac.com - Accreditation number: 1-1793)
A complete analytical facility of 5,200m²
A complete analytical facility of 5,200m²
Tailor-made support
Tailor-made support
Video debriefing available with the expert
Video debriefing available with the expert
Thomas ROUSSEAU Scientific and Technical Director
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