Methods / CIC

Combustion ion chromatography

Combustion ion chromatography (CIC) is a separation and analysis technique used to detect and characterize ions of certain elements, including halogens and sulfur. CIC finds applications in contaminant detection and compliance testing in multiple industries.

Combustion
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Some of our CIC analysis services

Total organic fluorine (TOF) content in paper, polymers, and textiles

Determination of total organic fluorine (TOF) in paper, polymers, and textiles. As these types of samples generally have low inorganic fluorine content, TOF is analyzed as total fluorine (TF), unless requested otherwise. If needed, total inorganic fluorine (TIF) can also be measured, and TOF can then be calculated as the difference between TF and TIF. Please note that the additional determination of TIF involves extra analytical steps, which will be reflected in the price. TOF analysis gives information about the total amount of organic fluorinated compounds in the material. It can also be used to evaluate the overall presence or absence of PFAS, even though this method cannot identify individual PFAS compounds. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information and a quote for your sample batch.
150–250 €
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Total organic fluorine (TOF) content in challenging sample materials (chemicals, oils, etc.)

ASTM D7359
Determination of the total organic fluorine (TOF) content in combustible materials using combustion ion chromatography (CIC). By default, TOF is analyzed as total fluorine (TF). If required, total inorganic fluorine (TIF) can be measured as well, and TOF calculated as the difference between TF and TIF. TOF analysis gives information about the total amount of organic fluorinated compounds. It can also be used to evaluate the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the material, even though individual PFAS compounds can't be analyzed with this method. The analysis is suitable for many different materials. Please describe the sample in detail when requesting an offer to help us prepare a quote quickly.
350–600 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

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What is CIC used for?

CIC is commonly used to test for sulfur and halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine) in various sample types, including natural and synthetic petrochemicals (oils, fuels, lubricants) and polymers (especially those used in consumer goods). Samples can be solids, liquids, powders, gels, or gasses.

Perhaps the most notable application of CIC is total organic fluorine (TOF) analysis. TOF testing is performed to estimate the presence of fluorine-containing compounds, which in turn can be used as an indirect indication of the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), contaminants known for their toxicity and persistence.

How does combustion ion chromatography work?

In CIC, the sample is pyrolyzed, i.e. broken down by heat, in the presence of humidified oxygen. Any volatile compounds that are produced are captured by an absorbing solution, which is passed through the ion chromatograph. This will separate and characterize the different ions in the solution, providing information on the makeup of the sample.

Advantages and limitations of CIC in PFAS analysis

CIC offers a quick and efficient method of detecting fluoride ions in a sample, making it an excellent initial screening method in PFAS analysis. CIC is often used to estimate the potential presence of PFAS before further analysis with targeted methods, such as LC-MS/MS, and is especially useful when the identity of individual PFAS compounds contained in the sample is unknown.

The non-selective nature of CIC is its major drawback in PFAS analysis; while it will detect the presence of fluoride in samples, it won’t provide further information on the specific compounds. Therefore, obtaining a comprehensive overview of PFAS content within a sample will require combining CIC with LC/MS-MS. This is also the recommended approach for verifying PFAS-free statements.

Need CIC analyses?

Measurlabs offers laboratory testing with CIC for screening total organic fluoride. From tens to hundreds of samples, we ensure your analyses are handled on time, with the highest quality. More than 700 companies choose Measurlabs for accurate results and dependable service - contact us through the form below to get a quote and experience our service level yourself.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Water
  • Food
  • Soil
  • Polymers and plastics
  • Petrochemicals

Ideal uses of CIC analysis

  • Determining concentrations of halide and sulfur ions
  • Estimation of PFAS presence through total organic fluorine analysis
  • Contaminant analysis of synthetic and natural petrochemicals

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  • How many samples do you have and what is the sample material?
  • Do you have a recurring need for these tests? If yes, how often and for how many samples at a time?

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Frequently asked questions

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.