Multiple surface analysis techniques allow our experienced surface specialist to identify the elemental make-up of a material, particle, or fiber; and help determine any failure modes or inconsistencies in the material’s chemical composition.
- Surface analysis can help indicate the presence of a defect such as stains or residues, as well as, corrosion accelerants due to service environments and cleaning remedies.
- Analyzing the surface of broken or cracked materials can help determine the root cause of failure. Scanning the fracture face of a material at high magnification can reveal the fracture mode and mechanism of both metallic- and non-metallic materials.
Our electron microscopes are capable of clearly imaging plastics, polymers, or rubbers in SEI or BEI imaging modes; no need to destructively coat a sample with gold or carbon. Our certified technicians and experienced scientists prepare specimens, provide testing, and report data within three to five business days. Options for expedited test services are available.
Material Surface Testing Services:
Stolk Labs is PJLA ISO 17025:2017 accredited and offers surface analysis testing services per ASTM guidelines. Some of our accredited testing services include the following techniques:
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Critical Dimension Measurement
- Standard Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Metallic Coatings by Measurement of Cross Section with a Scanning Electron Microscope – ASTM B748
Elemental Dot Mapping, Phase Analysis, Line Scanning, Hail Damage Analysis
- Standard Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Metallic Coatings by Measurement of Cross Section with a Scanning Electron Microscope – ASTM B748
- Standard Guide for Quantitative Analysis by Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy – ASTM E1508
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometers on each microscope are calibrated with NIST-traceable reference standards to give accurate and precise chemistries of delaminated surfaces or foreign material buildups on coated products. The elemental composition of phases in a microstructure is reported quantitatively or semi-quantitatively per ASTM E1508-12a guidelines. Two microprobes help identify material compositions on either a bulk material cross-section or superficial scale by only collecting elemental information from the outer 7-12 angstroms.
Quantitative Elemental Compositions
Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (WDS)
- Standard Guide for Elemental Analysis by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry – ASTM E1621
Semi-Quantitative Elemental Compositions
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
- Standard Guide for Quantitative Analysis by Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy – ASTM E1508
Elemental Composition (Atomic Percent)
Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES)
- Standard Guide for Minimizing Unwanted Electron Beam Effects in Auger Electron Spectroscopy – ASTM E983
- Standard Guide for Identifying Chemical Effects and Matrix Effects in Auger Electron Spectroscopy – ASTM E984
- Standard Guide for Background Subtraction Techniques in Auger Electron Spectroscopy and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy – ASTM E995
- Standard Practice for Reporting Data in Auger Electron Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy – ASTM E996
- Standard Practice for Determination of the Specimen Area Contributing to the Detected Signal in Auger Electron Spectrometers and Some X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrometers – ASTM E1217
Superficial Quantitative Compositions
Auger Depth Profile
- Standard Guide for Depth Profiling in Auger Electron Spectroscopy – ASTM E1127
Through our techniques, our experts can examine your material’s surface and internal structure and provide insight that can help resolve product issues, ensure your products meet specifications, expand design boundaries and increase your overall product knowledge. Give us a call and let us help you!
With our vast industry experience, Stolk Labs, Inc. offers our professional services for subrogation/claims investigations.
- Joint Investigations
- Joint Inspections
- Fire Investigations
- Insurance Investigations
- Product Liability Investigations
- Equipment Defect Investigations
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