Surface Characterization

1. Lab Description and Capabilities

  • Multi-scale, multi-mode imaging tools including light and electron microscopes
  • Micro- to nanometer-scale structural and property analysis of materials
  • Produce topographic and compositional images
  • High resolution imaging without the need of sample preparation
  • High resolution optical 3D surface measurement for industrial quality assurance
  • A wide range of roughness measurements, conform to ISO standards
  • Performance of characterization techniques to map the surface and sub‐surface structure of materials
  • Quantitative and qualitative analysis of solid materials; metals, polymers, composites, and dry organic matter

2. Deliverables

  • Imaging and quantitative analysis on solid samples including metals, composites, and organic materials such as polymers, wood, and biological materials
  • Obtain surface and subsurface imaging of materials; roughness measurements, and identification of different components and phases inside solid materials
  • Identification of changes occurring at the surface and accurate analysis from observations to support development of new materials and conservation of existing ones

3. Major Equipment and Specific Minor Equipment

  • Scanning electron microscope: Hitachi Tabletop Microscope TM3030
    • Magnification up to 120,000X with digital zoom
    • Observation mode: Standard mode and charge-up reduction mode
    • Energy dispersive X-ray analysis
  • Infinite Focus Microscope: Alicona Infinite Focus G5
    • Measure Form and Roughness
    • Profile, Area, and Volume Analysis

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