Analytical Testing Capabilities
The Analytical Laboratory at the Shepherd Color Company is committed to providing in-house analytical testing of our products and customer systems for the purposes of Certificates of Analysis, Research and Development, environmental and regulatory compliance, and customer support. A wide range of instrumentation and techniques are used in our laboratory.
Elemental analysis using atomic spectroscopy is a major focus of our Analytical Group. An inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES)...” and an atomic absorption spectrometer (AA) with flame and vapor generation capabilities are on site. Over 70 elements, from trace levels to major components, can be determined using these instruments and various preparation methods.
Our two x-ray instruments enable us to do phase identification and elemental analysis of our pigments. The x-ray diffractometer is equipped with sophisticated data analysis software and other specialized accessories that allow us to analyze samples ranging from milligrams in size to larger solid samples. X-ray diffraction is a powerful complement to the elemental analysis capabilities of our x-ray fluorescence instrument. Using x-ray fluorescence samples can be analyzed in a short period of time from Fluorine to Uranium on the periodic table. Most metals can be determined quantitatively to less than 10 ug/g.
Other capabilities of our Analytical Laboratory include UV-Vis, Specific Surface Area, Auto-titration, pH, ion selective electrodes, and other classical methods. Optical microscopes equipped with cameras are used for visual examinations of samples.
Our methods are maintained in a controlled format and we validate them through the use of standards, certified materials, and control samples. We follow standard protocols and published methods for conducting worldwide regulatory and environmental tests. Our staff is continually working to improve existing methods and to stay current with new developments in the field of Analytical Chemistry.
