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About Solvent Extractions

Solvent extraction is a process that occurs in a wet chemical laboratory.  The solvent extraction can be used to determine the soluble (sol) portion and insoluble portion (gel) of a crosslinked network.  And, often the solvent extraction process is a method for preparing a sample for a subsequent analysis.

  • Approaches

    Solvent extractions can be performed at room temperature or elevated temperature, up to  135 °C.  Nearly any solvent can be used for the solvent extraction process with some of the more common ones including:

    • Chloroform
    • Tetrahydrofuran
    • Water

  • Sample Considerations

    Any solid sample can be subjected to a solvent extraction process;

    • Plastic
    • Rubber
    • Metal
    • Glass
    • Ceramic
    • Wood

    The entire sample may dissolve during the extraction process, or a coating or layer of contamination may be removed and transferred into the solvent phase.

    Virtually all plastic and rubber materials are subjected to solvent extraction to remove additives, stabilizers, and other soluble components.  Typical materials that are solvent extracted include:

    • Polypropylene
    • Polyethylene
    • Nylon

    Contact us to talk through your specific sample considerations.

  • Experience

    Work we’ve done:

    • Extractable content of silicone tubing
    • Additive content of rubber from an automotive application
    • Leachable content of a medical device

    Products we’ve tested:

    • Valve stems for tire applications
    • Medical tubing
    • Medical devices