Surfactant Analysis in Pharmaceuticals and Industrial Products

Surfactants and surface active agents analysis and testing, for industrial products and pharmaceuticals.

Intertek laboratories detect and quantify low levels of surfactants in solid and liquid products and formulations. A wide range of analysis capabilities with options appropriate to surface active agents in pharmaceutical and industrial applications are available. In addition to surfactants, specialist know-how in analysis of anti-foams and dispersants is typically used in these products. Applications include analytical support for the manufacturing of existing products, FDA submissions for new product introduction and competitor product analysis. Intertek assists customers determine the presence of surfactants which are restricted in their application or use by the Detergent Directive or upcoming REACH legislation.

Surfactants, antifoams and dispersing agents analyzed: 

• Non-ionic surfactants: alkoxylate based on PEG’s and PPG’s (including nonyl phenol ethoxylates NPE)
• Anionic surfactants: alkyl sulphates, alkyl benzene sulphonates, phosphate esters
• Cationic surfactants: quaternary ammonium compounds
• Amphoteric surfactants: CAPB
• Antifoams: silicone copolymers and acetylenic diols
• Disperants with a variety of structures and functionalities
• Separation and characterisation and quantification of mixed surfactant systems in formulated products

Surfactant analytical techniques: 

• Comprehensive classical chemistry analysis, titrations, colorimetry
• MALDI-TOF MS, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry
• Other Mass Spectrometry instrumentation e.g. LCMS, HRMS
• Solution state NMR
• Chromatography, including HPLC and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) with UV, ELSD, RI detection, GC for chain length distribution
• Surface Tension measurement
• Product Identification

Contact us to see how Intertek can help your organization with Surfactant Analysis in Pharmaceuticals and Industrial Products.