Analyzing Complex Samples Through the Synergistic Use of Complementary Techniques

Event organized by PerkinElmer.

With over 80 years of experience, PerkinElmer is a global leader in innovative scientific solutions. The company specializes in providing cutting-edge analytical instruments, accessories, consumables, and essential technical support services designed to enhance workflow efficiency in laboratories worldwide.

PerkinElmer collaborates with researchers and laboratory technicians to enable and accelerate scientific breakthroughs, driving the development of next-generation solutions.

Renowned for reliability and quality, PerkinElmer delivers an extensive portfolio of products, services, and expertise. The company believes in the power of purpose-driven science: building a healthier, safer, and more sustainable world.

Session Overview

This presentation will demonstrate how to approach the analytical characterization of complex matrices—such as polymers, rubbers, paints, and compounds—using a multi-technique approach.

When analyzing complex samples, no single technique can provide all the necessary information. For this reason, complementary methods such as FT-IR, DSC, TGA, and others are used to characterize samples across multiple dimensions (qualitative, quantitative, dimensional, mechanical, etc.).

Specifically, the session will highlight how hyphenated Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA) techniques—such as TG-IR, TG-GCMS, and TG-IR-GCMS—enable the identification of volatile compounds released during controlled heating. These combined methodologies provide far more detailed insight than thermogravimetry alone, helping to identify solvents, plasticizers, additives, and degradation products.

The second part of the presentation will feature real-world case studies, including:

• Reverse engineering of polyurethane foams
• Aroma analysis in food products
• Quality control and plasticizer identification
• Compliance testing for restricted substances
• Characterization of paints and complex formulations

In conclusion, attendees will see why complex matrix analysis requires an integrated strategy, and how hypenated techniques combining TGA, FTIR, and GC-MS offer a highly effective way to improve sample characterization efficiently—in most cases, without requiring preliminary chemical sample preparation.

Speaker

Maria Grazia  Garavaglia – Sr. Product Specialist, PerkinElmer

 The event will be held in Italian

 English translation available (see below)