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Industrial deformulation · Hangzhou, China
Find out what is in a coating, adhesive, rubber or plastic — composition and formulation analysis, English report
Tell us what you need to know about a product. We identify the main components, estimate their proportions, and say plainly what the data cannot resolve. Fixed quotation in USD, typically 1,500–4,500 per sample. Samples accepted worldwide; contact us before shipping.
Supplier or factory in China? It can ship the sample to us directly — no customs.
FTIR · GC-MS · XRF/XRD · ICP · high-resolution LC-MS|Fixed quotation in USD, typically 1,500–4,500 per sample|English report
Why choose us
Samples accepted worldwide
Contact us before shipping. Samples already in China can go by domestic courier.
Fixed quotation in USD
Typically 1,500–4,500 per sample.
Reports in 15–20 working days
We confirm the schedule for your project in the quotation.
Chengfenbao in numbers
Founded: 2023 · Reports per year: 2,000+ · Clients: 4,000+ · Instruments: 11 types
NDA on request
Ask for a non-disclosure agreement before sharing confidential details.
Request a quote
Tell us about your sample. We reply within 24 hours.
The laboratory
Inside our laboratory
Photos from our laboratory in Hangzhou. Lab visits are available by appointment.
Instruments
Instrument platforms, grouped by the question they answer
Industrial deformulation rarely yields to one instrument. For each sample we combine the techniques its question needs, from infrared spectroscopy and GC-MS to X-ray methods and high-resolution mass spectrometry.
Binder and polymer type
FTIR spectroscopy
Identifies the chemical family of a binder, resin or base polymer (for example acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy, alkyd, polyester, silicone or a specific rubber) from its infrared fingerprint, on the whole sample or on fractions separated from it.
Volatiles, solvents and plasticizers
GC-MS · GC-MS/MS
Residual solvents in a film or part, plasticizers, residual monomers, volatile additives and the compounds behind an odor.
Fillers and pigments
XRF · XRD
XRF gives the elemental make-up of the inorganic part, such as titanium, calcium, barium, zinc or iron. XRD shows which crystalline form is present, for example rutile or anatase titanium dioxide, calcite or talc.
Metals and elements
ICP-MS · ICP-OES
Catalyst residues, metal driers, heavy metals, and the elements that point to a specific pigment, filler or stabilizer.
Additives and unknown compounds
High-resolution LC-MS (Orbitrap, Q-TOF)
Non-volatile additives such as antioxidants, light stabilizers, surfactants and dispersants, and accurate mass for peaks that are not on any target list.
Trace confirmation of known compounds
LC-MS/MS
Confirms whether specific known compounds are present at very low levels, for example a restricted additive.
Wet chemistry and sample preparation
UV-Vis spectrophotometry · gravimetric and moisture tests · extraction and separation
Solids (non-volatile) content, moisture, pH and UV-Vis absorbance, plus the extraction, centrifugation and evaporation steps that split a sample into fractions each instrument can read.
We choose the techniques for each sample; not every project uses all of them. The data appendix of your report lists the methods actually used.
What we analyze
Industrial products and raw materials
Deformulation — also called reverse engineering, formulation analysis, competitor product analysis or composition analysis — means identifying the components of a formulated product and estimating their proportions.
Beyond individual additives, we identify which chemical family a binder or base polymer belongs to (FTIR), and what kind of pigment or filler is present (XRF and XRD).
Adhesives and sealants
Hot-melt and water-based adhesives, cured adhesive films.
Read the guidePrinting inks
Water-based inks and dried prints.
Read the guidePaints and coatings
Cured coating films. Water-based and powder coatings are reviewed case by case.
Read the guideRubber compounds
Compounds and unused rubber parts.
Read the guidePlastics and masterbatch
Pellets, masterbatch and molded parts.
Read the guidePolymer and process additives
Solid antioxidants, light stabilizers, surfactants and dispersants.
Cleaners, metalworking fluids and greases
Neutral water-based cleaners, solid detergents, water-based metalworking fluids, lubricating greases.
Read the guidePigments, fillers and resins
Pigments and fillers, solid resins, solid paper and textile auxiliaries.
Food ingredients
Plant-derived food ingredients and additive blends.
Concrete admixtures
Formulated admixtures and suitable raw materials for composition questions.
Cosmetics and personal care
Creams, lotions, shampoo, body wash, serums and other personal care products.
Samples accepted worldwide; contact us before shipping. Discuss the suitable sample form with us.
Typical projects
What manufacturers use deformulation for
Benchmark a competitor
"What is in the product we are measured against?"
We analyze the reference product and, if you send it, your current product in the same physical state, then report the differences the data support. The same approach works for a reference sample your customer asks you to match.
Replace a raw material
"Our grade is being discontinued. What do we need to match?"
We characterize the current material: its chemical family, main components, additives and elements. That gives your candidate materials a target. Analysis shows the chemistry, not the supplier or trade name.
Compare a good batch with a rejected one
"Same formulation on paper, different result on the line. What changed?"
Send a good sample and a rejected one, made in a similar period and stored under similar conditions. We report the differences the data support; a chemical difference is a lead for your engineers, not proof of the cause. Production rejects and unused returned goods can be reviewed; parts removed from service, used fluids and old greases cannot be shipped to us from overseas.
Check a supplier's material
"Does this lot match the approved sample?"
We compare the new lot with a retained sample of the same specification. If the supplier is in China, it can send the retained sample straight to our lab.
Process
From your question to a clear report
- 01
Tell us what you need to find out
Describe the product and the question. We reply within 24 hours, agree the analytical scope and issue a fixed quotation in USD.
- 02
Confirm the sample before shipping
We confirm sample quantity, packaging and documents with you before shipment. Samples already in China can go by domestic courier. We send shipping instructions once the quotation is accepted and paid.
- 03
Analysis
We log the received sample and use the methods selected for your question. The project schedule is confirmed in the quotation.
- 04
Report and follow-up
Receive an English report with supported findings, estimated proportions and clear limits. We discuss the results and any questions that remain.
Discuss your sample before shipping
Samples are accepted worldwide. Contact us before shipping so we can confirm the suitable sample form, quantity, packaging and documents.
We analyze coatings and paints, inks, adhesives and sealants, rubber and elastomers, plastics and masterbatch, additives and raw materials, cleaners, lubricating greases, concrete admixtures, and cosmetics and personal care products.
The specimen matters: a cured film answers a different question from the original liquid. Describe what you can supply and what you want to find out. Samples already in China can go by domestic courier after confirmation.
Some products cannot be received from overseas; see what we can receive.
Contact us about your sampleBuying from suppliers in China? The sample may not need to cross a border.
If you source materials or finished products from suppliers in China, your supplier can send a sample straight to our lab, so nothing has to cross a border. The order stays the same: declaration, quotation, payment, then an acceptance number that goes on the parcel. Mention it in your declaration.
If the same product can be bought or delivered within mainland China, say so in your inquiry: no import is involved on that route.
From overseas
- declaration
- acceptance number
- international courier and customs
- our lab
From a supplier in China
- declaration
- acceptance number
- domestic courier
- our lab
The report
What you receive
An English PDF report, written to answer the question you asked.
- 1
Conclusion card
The answer to your question, in plain language.
- 2
Components
The main components, named as specific compounds where the data allow and as a chemical family where they do not, with estimated proportions. Proportions are semi-quantitative estimates, not assay values.
- 3
Data appendix
The methods used and the data behind each identification, so your chemists can check the reasoning.
- 4
What could not be determined
A plain statement of what remains uncertain, and why. We report what the data support.
What deformulation cannot tell you
- The trade name or supplier of a raw material. Analysis shows the chemistry, not the brand.
- Every trace additive. Minor ingredients below detection limits can be missed.
- The original mixing ratios of a cured or crosslinked system. Curing changes the chemistry; we report what is present in the cured material.
No laboratory can promise a complete recipe from a sample alone, and we do not.
An English–Chinese bilingual version is available on request, at no extra charge.
Download report template (PDF)About our reports
Results relate only to the sample as received.
They are written for R&D and purchasing decisions such as benchmarking a competitor's product, replacing a raw material or checking a supplier.
Confidentiality and your sample
Under agreement
Each project runs under a short agreement. Both parties keep sample information, results and business information confidential, except where disclosure is required by law. If you prefer, we can sign your non-disclosure agreement before you share details.
Your declaration
We use the information in your declaration only to review it and reply to you. See our Privacy Policy.
Leftover sample
Part or all of the sample may be consumed in the analysis. We keep what remains for 30 days; unless you ask for it back before then, at your cost, it is destroyed under laboratory procedures. Custody records are kept for at least three years.
FAQ
1. Can clients outside China send samples?
Yes. Samples are accepted worldwide. Contact us before shipping so we can confirm sample quantity, packaging and documents. Samples already in China can go by domestic courier after we confirm the arrangements.
2. Can Chengfenbao deformulate a solvent-based coating, ink or adhesive?
Not as a liquid. Flammable solvent-based liquids fall under China's import controls on hazardous chemicals, and Chengfenbao does not receive them from overseas. Send a cured film or the solids fraction instead. A cured film no longer contains the volatile solvents, so the analysis covers the non-volatile part of the formulation. If the same product can be bought or delivered within mainland China, say so in your inquiry: no import is involved on that route.
3. Will a deformulation give me the complete formula with exact percentages?
No laboratory can promise that from a sample alone, and Chengfenbao does not. You can expect the main components identified, their proportions estimated, the supporting data shown and the uncertain parts stated plainly. Proportions are semi-quantitative estimates, not assay values. Trade names of raw materials, trace additives below detection limits and the original mixing ratios of cured or crosslinked systems generally cannot be recovered.
4. How are the quotation and project schedule agreed?
We issue a fixed quotation in USD after agreeing the analytical question and reviewing your sample information. Most industrial deformulation projects fall between USD 1,500 and USD 4,500 per sample. The quotation confirms scope, the English report and the project schedule.
5. Will my sample and results stay confidential, and what happens to the leftover sample?
Yes. The agreement binds both parties to keep sample information, results and business information confidential, except where disclosure is required by law. Remaining sample and residues are destroyed under laboratory procedures, or returned at your request and cost. Custody records are kept for at least three years.
6. Which instruments does Chengfenbao use for industrial deformulation?
FTIR spectroscopy for binders and polymers; GC-MS and GC-MS/MS for volatiles, solvents and plasticizers; XRF and XRD for fillers and pigments; ICP-MS and ICP-OES for metals; high-resolution LC-MS (Orbitrap, Q-TOF) and LC-MS/MS for additives and unknown compounds; plus wet-chemistry tests such as solids content and moisture. Analysts choose the methods for each sample, and the data appendix of the report shows which were used.
7. Can my supplier in China send the sample for me?
Yes. If the material is already in China, for example with your supplier, the supplier can send it straight to our lab, so nothing has to cross a border. The order stays the same: declaration, quotation, payment, then an acceptance number that goes on the parcel.
8. Can I visit Chengfenbao's laboratory?
Yes, by appointment. The laboratory is in Qiantang District, Hangzhou, China. E-mail zhejiang@chengfenbao.com.cn to arrange a visit.
9. What information should I provide to get a quotation?
Tell us the product type and its use, the available sample quantity, any known formulation information, what you want to find out and whether a comparison sample is available. We reply within 24 hours and clarify the scope before quoting.
Guides
- Adhesive deformulation: how an adhesive or sealant formulation is analyzed
- Ink composition analysis: identifying resins, pigments and additives in a printing ink
- Coating formulation analysis: what a lab can and cannot tell you about a paint
- Rubber compound analysis: identifying the elastomer, fillers and additives
- Masterbatch analysis and polymer additive analysis: what can be identified in a compound
- Industrial cleaner, metalworking fluid and grease analysis: surfactants, oils and additives
- Material deformulation: what a deformulation study can and cannot tell you
- How to send an industrial sample to a lab in China: declaration, acceptance number, shipping
- Solvent-based coatings, inks and adhesives: which sample form can be sent for analysis
- What is in a deformulation report: components, estimated proportions, methods and limits
- Confidentiality for industrial samples: NDA, sample handling and data retention
- Deformulation for benchmarking and material substitution: comparing a competitor product or replacing an imported raw material
- Concrete and cement admixture formulation analysis
- Molded plastic shells: polymer identification and grade comparison
- Polymer additive package analysis: stabilizers and processing aids
- Water-treatment chemical analysis: inhibitors and dispersants
- Construction chemical analysis: waterproofing, adhesives and mortars
- Solder paste and flux composition analysis
- When can analysis name a compound, and what does an estimated proportion mean?
- What does the closest commercial grade mean in a comparison?
- What is in a hot-melt adhesive: EVA, polyolefin or a pressure-sensitive blend?
- What is in a tape or label: the adhesive, backing and release liner?
- What can a cured silicone sealant reveal about its RTV formulation?
- What resin and curing agent are in a powder coating?
- What can a cured UV coating or ink reveal about its ingredients?
- What is in a textile, leather or paper finishing auxiliary?
- Do you need deformulation or quality-control testing?
- How do you turn a deformulation report into a trial formulation?
- What can a cured two-part epoxy reveal about its resin and hardener?
- What is in a thermal interface material or electrically conductive adhesive?
- What polymer, oil and filler are in a thermoplastic elastomer compound?
- What active material and carrier are in a mold-release agent?
- What binder and additives are in a dry battery electrode coating?
- What binder and anticorrosive pigments are in a cured primer film?
- Which layer or part of an assembled product should you send for analysis?
- Why can two laboratories report different deformulation results for the same product?
- What plasticizer and stabilizer system is in a flexible PVC compound?
- What flame-retardant system is in a plastic, foam or textile?
- What can a cured polyurethane reveal about its polyol, isocyanate and additives?
- What is in a toner powder or water-based inkjet ink?
- What surfactants and emulsifiers are in an industrial blend?
- What polymers and additives are in a wire or cable compound?
- Can a lab identify an unknown residue, deposit or contamination on a part?
- What can side-by-side deformulation show about a good batch and a bad batch?
- Masterbatch dilution: checking pigment loading, carrier resin and let-down ratio
- What is inside an additive masterbatch: active additive, carrier and loading
- Polyolefin wax and dispersing aids in masterbatch: identifying PE, PP, oxidized and amide waxes
- Coating formulation analysis for waterborne paints: binder, coalescent and additives
- Lubricating grease formulation analysis: thickener, base oil and additives
- Polymer emulsion and latex binder analysis for coating formulation: acrylic, VAE, SBR and PVAc
- Can a lab measure steel dust or wear metal in grease?
- What is material deformulation, and which materials can be deformulated?
- Defoamer analysis: what is in a silicone, mineral-oil or polyether antifoam?
- Conformal coating analysis: what chemistry is on my circuit board?
- O-ring material identification: what is my O-ring or gasket made of?
- Pigment identification analysis: which pigment or filler is in my material?
- Wax emulsion analysis: what is in my wax dispersion for coatings, inks or paper?
- Film additive analysis: which slip, antiblock, antistatic or anti-fog ingredients are present?
- Coating and paint deformulation: how do I compare laboratories?
- Will shipping change my industrial sample through ageing, separation, freezing or skinning?
- Water-based wood glue analysis: what is in a competitor's PVA adhesive?
- Rubber accelerator identification: which cure and antioxidant system is in my compound?
- EVA foam analysis: what is an EVA shoe sole or foam sheet made of?
- 3D printing filament analysis: what polymer, filler and additives are in my filament?
- Wood coating analysis: what resin and additives are in a cured varnish or finish?
- Pigment paste analysis: what dispersant and carrier are in a tinting colorant?
- Polymer and plastic additive deformulation laboratories: how should you compare their scopes?
- Deformulation without SDS: can I send a sample without a safety data sheet?
- Silicone characterization: what is in a silicone fluid, emulsion or rubber part?
- Resin deformulation: what can a lab tell me about polyester, alkyd or acrylic resin?
- FRP composition analysis: what resin, glass and filler are in a fiberglass or GRP part?
- Optical brightener identification: which fluorescent whitening agent is in my material?
- Polypropylene nucleating agent identification: which clarifier or nucleator is in a PP part?
- Antistatic agent analysis: which antistatic or anti-fog additive is in a plastic film or part?
- Printing ink resin deformulation laboratory: how should I compare ink and resin analysis scopes?
- Send liquid sample for analysis: can I submit oil, liquid resin or another non-aqueous liquid?
- Textile dye identification: which disperse, reactive, acid or direct dye is on my fabric or yarn?
- Thermoplastic road marking composition analysis: what resin, pigment, filler and glass beads are in my compound?
- PVC plastisol analysis: what plasticizer, stabilizer and adhesion promoter remain in my gelled coating or print?
- Epoxy molding compound analysis: what resin, hardener and filler can a cured EMC or electronic encapsulant reveal?
- Paper coating analysis: what binder, pigment and additives are on my coated paper or paperboard?
- Engine coolant analysis: what corrosion inhibitor package is in my concentrate or pre-diluted antifreeze?
- Adhesive deformulation laboratory: how should I compare adhesive and sealant analysis scopes?
- Deformulation sample submission information: what should I send with my sample?
- PFAS deformulation: can a lab identify fluorinated additives or fluorosurfactants in a coating, ink or plastic compound?
- Intumescent coating analysis: what acid source, blowing agent, char former and binder are in a cured fire-protective film?
- Fiber sizing analysis: what film former, coupling agent and lubricant are on a glass or carbon fiber?
- VCI film analysis: which volatile corrosion inhibitor chemistry is in a packaging film or paper?
- 3D printing resin analysis: what oligomer, monomers and photoinitiator can a cured photopolymer print reveal?
- Ceramic glaze analysis: what frit, pigment and binder are in a glaze powder, fired glaze or ceramic ink?
- Rubber deformulation laboratory: how should I compare rubber and elastomer deformulation laboratories?
- What happens to leftover sample after lab analysis: is the remaining sample returned, kept or destroyed?
- Cosmetic deformulation: can a lab tell what is in a shampoo, body wash, cream or lotion?
- Plastic failure analysis: can chemical analysis show why a molded part cracked, yellowed or turned brittle?
- Color cosmetics deformulation: can a lab tell what is in a lipstick, foundation, eyeshadow or pressed powder?
- Impurity analysis of industrial raw materials: can a lab identify an unexpected peak, odor, color or metal level in a resin, additive or pigment lot?
- Coating delamination analysis: can a lab find out why a paint or coating peeled, blistered or failed an adhesion test?
- Rubber bloom analysis: what is the white powder, haze or sticky film on my rubber part, plastic part or film?
- Silicone release liner analysis: can a lab check silicone coat uniformity, cure and transfer on a release liner or release paper?
- Soap formulation analysis: can a lab tell which oils, fats and additives are in a bar soap?
- Laundry detergent formulation analysis: can a lab tell what is in a laundry liquid, powder or dishwashing liquid?
- Candle wax analysis: can a lab tell what wax blend and fragrance are in a scented candle?
- Sunscreen formulation analysis: can a lab tell which UV filters are in a sunscreen and roughly how much?
- Wet wipes composition analysis: can a lab tell what fibers and lotion are in baby wipes or cleaning wipes?
- Diaper material analysis: can a lab tell what each layer of a disposable diaper is made of?
- Adhesive bond failure analysis: can a lab tell why a bonded joint came apart?
- Shipping your sample to Chengfenbao: documents, packing and courier
Contact
Already have a quotation? Send the sample declaration with the form below, or e-mail zhejiang@chengfenbao.com.cn. We reply within 24 hours in English or Chinese. Chengfenbao is a Chinese company: the quotation, the agreement and the receiving laboratory are all in the name of Hangzhou Chengfenbao Quality Inspection Technology Co., Ltd.
Sample declaration
Prefer e-mail?
Send the same information to zhejiang@chengfenbao.com.cn, with the SDS and photos attached:
- Company / full name
- Country
- Work e-mail
- Product name, brand and model
- Product category
- Physical form
- SDS or known composition (attach)
- What do you want to learn?
- Photos of the product and label (attach)
- I understand that I must not ship anything before Chengfenbao issues an acceptance number, and that Chengfenbao reports are research-grade analytical reports that cannot be used for product registration or legal proceedings.
E-mailzhejiang@chengfenbao.com.cn
LaboratoryQiantang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ChinaLab visits by appointment