Analytical Chemistry Services

The analytical chemistry lab provides a broad range of chemical analysis services including support in the investigation of unknown materials (solid, liquid, or gas); chemical technology development; and qualitative and quantitative analyses of non-volatile organics, volatile organics, elements, and ions.  This support includes performing in-depth chemical analysis of contamination from flight and ground systems; development of new polymeric materials and chemical technology processes.

Technical Capabilities

• Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
• SEM with EDS and Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS)
• X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF),
• X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectroscopy
• Optical Emission Metal Analyzer (OEM)
• Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
• Headspace and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (HS/GC/MS and py-GC/MS)
• Ion Chromatography (IC)
• Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)
• Cone Calorimeter
• Extrusion, Injection Molding,
• Melt Spin, Solution Spin, Wet Spin
• Self-healing Materials
• Aerogel Composites, Foams, Ice Release
• Coatings (hydrophobic and icephobic)

Success Stories  

• Contamination investigation support to LM Orion operations
• SpaceX Falcon 9 Composite fairing Shoe Debond Investigation
• SpaceX Commercial Resupply Service Mission CRS-3 Dragon Beta-Cloth Contamination
• Orbital Science Frangible Joint Failure Analysis
• On-going participation in the development of solid waste management, air revitalization and potable water preservation strategies

Flat Surface Damage Detection System (FSDDS) Demonstration with JSC Deep Space Habitat (DSH) project team and the JSC Avionics and Structures Management via the Space Network Research Federation (SNRF) Network.