Gravimetric analysis is a technique by which the total amount of an analyte or analytes is determined through mass measurement. For gravimetric determinations of ions through precipitation reactions, a known amount of the precipitating agent is added to a known mass of sample. The resulting precipitate is then massed to determine the concentration of the target analyte in the sample.
A common application of gravimetric analysis is during Extractables and Leachables (E & L) testing. This involves extracting a known volume or mass of sample, drying down the extract, and weighing the resulting residue. The mass of the residue is subtracted from a control blank, an empty vessel that has been brought through the same analytical procedure, to determine a corrected amount of non-volatile residue (NVR). Gravimetric analyses are a quick and easy way to investigate the quantity of extractables in a sample, but cannot discriminate between organic and inorganic species.
- Procedure is quick and easy
- Precise measurements due to the accuracy at which mass can be measured
- Can characterize the amount of residue from medical devices, food contact films, pharmaceutical packaging, and much more!
