Volatile and semi-volatile composition
GC-FID
Material Analysis · Chromatography & Diagnostics
Characterise volatile and semi-volatile composition, retention time and mass spectrum, and target concentration or evolved-product profile using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
Why this service
Temperature-Programmed Thermal Desorption Mass Spectrometry is selected when the project needs defensible information on volatile and semi-volatile composition, retention time and mass spectrum, or…
GC-FID
GC-MS or GC-MS/MS
headspace, SPME, thermal desorption, or pyrolysis
Choose the scope
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
volatile and semi-volatile composition
retention time and mass spectrum
target concentration or evolved-product profile
Common outputs
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
GC chromatogram reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Mass spectra and peak table supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Library matches, target concentrations, or pyrolysis/thermal-desorption profile provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Method-specific images included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Powder / particles | Provide a dry, homogeneous and clearly labelled sample in a sealed container. | Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review. |
| Film / coating | Provide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked. | State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted. |
| Liquid / solution | Provide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent. | Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement. |
| Gas / headspace | Provide the gas composition, concentration range, cylinder or sampling format and required pressure. | Gas compatibility, fittings, flow and safety controls are confirmed before acceptance. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
Provide powder / particles, film / coating, liquid / solution, gas / headspace as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For volatile and semi-volatile composition, start with GC-FID; add GC-MS or GC-MS/MS when comparison or quantification is required.
Typical turnaround is 6 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
Non-volatile, thermally unstable, or strongly polar compounds may need derivatisation or another method. Library matches are provisional without standards and retention evidence.
Configure the service