--- type: "WebPage" title: "Quantification and measurement of ionic contamination in the laboratory" description: "Master the ionic cleanliness of your components to ensure their reliability Ionic contamination is a major issue for many industrial sectors, including electronics, microelectronics, medical devices, aerospace, space, automotive, and energy.The presence of residual ionic species on a surface can..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/microelectronics-analysis-laboratory/quantification-and-measurement-of-ionic-contamination-in-the-laboratory/" tags: ["EN", "Anaïs DECAUX"] timestamp: "2026-07-15T11:47:44Z" published: "2026-07-15T11:47:44Z" language: "en" author: "Laure Durieux" --- # Quantification and measurement of ionic contamination in the laboratory ## Master the ionic cleanliness of your components to ensure their reliability Ionic **contamination** is a major issue for many industrial sectors, including electronics, [microelectronics](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/microelectronics-analysis-laboratory.md), [medical devices](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-medical-devices.md), [aerospace](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-aeronautics-aerospace.md), [space](https://filab.fr/secteur-activite/analysis-essais-laboratoire-aerospatial-spatial/), [automotive](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-automobile.md), and [energy](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-nuclear-energy.md). The presence of residual ionic species on a surface can lead to undesirable phenomena such as **electrochemical corrosion[](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization.md)**, **leakage currents**, **electrical failures**, or even a reduction in the service life of components. At FILAB laboratory, we perform **the quantification and measurement of ionic contamination in the laboratory** in order to identify, measure, and control the ionic species present on your parts, components, or industrial surfaces. ## How is ionic contamination measured in the laboratory? Measurement generally relies on a surface contaminant extraction step, followed by chemical analysis to identify and quantify the ionic species. Depending on the issue, different approaches can be implemented: ### Extraction of surface contaminants The sample is subjected to a controlled extraction in order to transfer the ionic species present on the surface into an analysis solution. Extraction parameters can be adjusted according to: - the nature of the material; - the geometry of the part; - the required sensitivity level; - the applicable regulatory requirements. ### Analysis by ion chromatography [**Ion chromatography (IC)**](https://filab.fr/nos-moyens-techniques/laboratoire-analysis-chromatographie-ionique/) is a reference technique for identifying and quantifying ions present in an extraction solution. It makes it possible to measure in particular: - the concentration of each ionic species; - the nature of the contaminants; - the overall level of contamination. The results can be expressed as mass concentration, for example in µg/cm², depending on the requirements of the sector concerned. ## Which standards govern the measurement of ionic contamination? Depending on the industrial sector, assessment methods may rely on different standards, including: **IPC-TM-650** for evaluating ionic contamination on printed circuit boards **Internal methods** developed according to the specific needs of manufacturers **IPC J-STD-001** for requirements related to electronic assemblies The choice of method depends on the type of component, the industrial process, and the expected cleanliness level. ## Which contaminants can be responsible for failures? Ionic contaminants can cause several degradation mechanisms: Electrochemical corrosion Certain ions, especially chlorides, promote metal corrosion when combined with moisture. Ionic migration Under the effect of an electrical potential difference, ions can migrate between two conductors and create short circuits. Leakage currents Ionic residues can reduce insulation resistance and disrupt the electrical operation of components. Accelerated aging Residual contamination can reduce a product's long-term reliability. ## Our FAQ How can i get a quote from FILAB? To get a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email. Simply send us your requirements (material type, desired analysis, any applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a tailored technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours. What is the typical turnaround time for analysis? Lead times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project. However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your constraints and industrial urgencies. What are the main ions targeted in an ionic contamination analysis? analysis generally focus on anions (chlorides, fluorides, sulfates, nitrates, etc.) and cations (sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, etc.) that may affect component reliability. Why is ionic contamination dangerous for electronic components? Ionic residues can promote corrosion, electrochemical migration phenomena, and leakage currents, leading to premature failures. Which technique is used to quantify ionic contamination? Ion chromatography is one of the main techniques used to identify and accurately measure ionic species extracted from a surface. What is the difference between particulate contamination and ionic contamination? Particulate contamination refers to the presence of visible or microscopic solid particles, whereas ionic contamination refers to dissolved chemical species capable of electrochemical activity. When should you carry out an ionic contamination assessment with the Filab laboratory? It is recommended for quality control, cleaning validation, process changes, or failure analysis.