Analytical Techniques - Microscopy & Physical Structure
The combination of state-of-the-art instrumentation and expert analysts at Ceram guarantees optimum problem solving capability using these techniques:
SEM/EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Analysis) - microstructural analysis, fault diagnosis, imaging and elemental analysis of small areas of solid materials.
XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) - mineralogical analysis of solid materials for phase determination.
FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis) - identification of compounds and chemical functionality in the near-surface region of materials.
WLI (White Light Interferometry) - topographical information from the surface including 2D, 3D images and profilometry as well as roughness parameters including surface roughness, peak height and valley depth.
Rheology and Viscosity Measurements - rheological characterisation and viscosity measurements across the full range of shear rates encountered in production, from pouring or gentle mixing through to spraying and spinning.
High Temperature Testing - thermal properties including thermal conductivity by fundamental and comparative gradient methods, linear expansion, pyrometric cone equivalent, permanent linear change, creep and refractoriness-under-load (RUL) in compression
Thermomechanical Testing - thermomechanical properties including modulus of elasticity in flexural & compressive configurations, modulus of rupture, compressive strength, flexural creep and fracture mechanics parameters.
Zeta Potential Measurements - charge on the surface of solid powder particles in suspension.
Pore Size Distribution by Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry - pore size distributions for both diameter and area determinations using mercury intrusion porosimetry in the mesoporous and macroporous ranges.
Metallography - including Electron Probe Micro-Analysis (EPMA) - Visual, microstructural and compositional information. Full evaluation of physical, strength or performance characteristics can be determined.
TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) - nano-scale compositional and structural information with images.
Hardness Testing - including Vickers hardness, Vickers Micro-hardness and Rockwell hardness.
Physical Testing - stress/strain, modulus of elasticity, fracture toughness, creep, grain size, density and porosity.
