Karl Fischer (KF) Moisture Testing Service - Precisely Control Chemical Product Quality, Starting with Moisture Analysis

The Importance of Moisture Control in the Chemical Industry

In the production, processing, and storage of chemical raw materials and products, moisture content is a critical control parameter. Moisture can affect the physical state of materials (e.g., flowability, crystallinity), trigger side reactions in certain chemical systems, reduce yield, or even compromise product stability and safety. Therefore, fast and accurate moisture determination is fundamental to ensuring chemical product quality, extending shelf life, and maintaining stable process control.

Key Applications of KF Moisture Testing in the Chemical Industry

1. Chemical Raw Materials and Intermediates

Many chemical substances are hygroscopic during production and storage, and excess moisture may reduce reactivity or cause degradation. Typical examples include:

• Organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, citric acid)
• Amines (e.g., ethanolamine, diethylenetriamine)
• Alcohols, ketones, ethers

2. Additives and Functional Agents

Performance of functional additives is highly moisture-sensitive. For instance, moisture in surfactants may affect emulsification, while water in plasticizers may cause phase separation or flocculation.

3. High-Purity Reagents and Fine Chemicals

In fields such as electronic chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, strict control of trace moisture at ppm levels is essential. Karl Fischer titration is the only routine method capable of meeting this requirement.

4. Polymers and Resin-Based Materials

Moisture directly influences polymerization reactions. Excessive moisture may result in abnormal molecular weight distribution, incomplete curing, or pore defects. Common materials include:

• Polyurethane precursors (e.g., isocyanates)
• Epoxy and polyamide resins

5. Petrochemical Products and Organic Solvents

Moisture may lead to corrosion, phase separation, or safety risks, especially in systems containing polar solvents or gases. Common samples include:

• Various organic solvents (alcohols, esters, aromatics, etc.)
• Lubricant additives and catalyst supports

Specialized Karl Fischer Testing Capabilities

To meet the increasingly stringent demands of trace moisture control in the chemical industry, Alfa Chemistry has established a comprehensive Karl Fischer testing solution featuring high sensitivity, high throughput, and adaptability to diverse sample types. Our professional service offers the following advantages:

1. Broad Compatibility with Sample Types

We offer quantitative moisture testing for liquids, solids, pastes, low-volatility samples, and inert gases, with customized pretreatment solutions tailored to specific matrices, such as:

• High-viscosity oils → Preheating with stirring to aid injection
• Poorly soluble organic solids → Heated solid sample loader with thermal decomposition
• Volatile solvent systems → Sealed injection with inert gas protection

2. Wide Detection Range from ppm to % Levels

We utilize two independent systems: coulometric titration (for trace moisture, LOD down to 10 ppm) and volumetric titration (for medium to high moisture samples). Our detection range meets most moisture control needs in chemical products:

3. Method Development Based on Industry Standards

We go beyond generic procedures, offering optimized methods or support for method transfer based on the properties of specific substances. We specialize in:

• Background correction and validation for interfering matrices (e.g., amines, aldehydes, esters)
• Moisture quantification in multi-component mixtures
• Custom workflows and documentation aligned with ASTM, ISO, ChP, USP standards

4. Quality Control and Data Traceability Mechanisms

• Full workflow includes parallel samples, blanks, and spike recovery checks
• System drift correction and reagent calibration before every run
• All results provided with raw titration curves, reagent batch numbers, and calibration certificates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much sample is required?

We recommend providing 2–5 g (or mL) depending on sample type and desired accuracy.

Q2: Can you test insoluble or viscous samples?

Yes. Our system is equipped with heating attachments for handling poorly soluble or high-viscosity materials.

Q3: What does the test report include?

Standard reports include sample information, moisture content (% or ppm), method used, instrument model, date, and analyst verification. Raw titration curves and validation records are available upon request.

Q4: Do you offer method development or validation services?

Yes. We provide method development, validation, and transfer services to support GMP or scientific research needs for enterprise and academic clients.