Characterisation of materials: know their properties

How do we characterise the materials?

We use our characterisation laboratory to study the properties and behaviour of any material, from its strength to its chemical composition.

This information is essential for developing new materials and improving existing materials. It helps us understand how materials work and how we can exploit their properties to create innovative products and applications.

Rosario Hidalgo

Characterisation Expert at ATRIA

Materials science

We collaborate with our clients to gain a deeper understanding of the materials that make up their products using advanced characterization techniques.

We understand that each challenge is unique, so we advise you on the most suitable analyses to solve your problems and interpret the results obtained.

Our goal is to provide you with applicable and useful results that help you make decisions and innovate in your sector.

Our materials characterisation process

Based on our experience, we assist our clients in selecting the most suitable characterization techniques for their products and issues, ranging from basic to advanced characterization.

Once the characterization is done, we help interpret the results to enhance the product or process. This not only provides a more efficient path to problem resolution but also allows for exploring new perspectives in optimizing processes or products through detailed knowledge of the materials involved.

1

We suggest the most suitable characterization techniques that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the properties and behaviors of the materials involved.

2

Once the characterizations that can be performed and will be useful are defined, we discuss with the client the objectives of each one and how they can assist us.

3

During the tests, we keep our clients informed of the progress in case any adjustments to the approach are needed.

4

We assist in using the information generated for our client’s ultimate goal. In doing so, we make our entire know-how available.

Our laboratory equipment

We have specialized equipment to characterize and understand the properties of your material or product.

Characterisations

Microscopy Physics Chemistry Other types

With optical characterization, we can magnify and examine the structures of materials and their surfaces down to the smallest detail.

We use this technique of electron microscopy to obtain high-resolution images of the sample's surface. In combination with EDX, it allows us to determine the elemental composition at each point in the image.

FIB-SEM is a technique that combines SEM and FIB (focused ion beam) to create precise lamellas and cross-sectional cuts, allowing the observation of the internal structure

This transmission microscopy technique allows us to obtain information about the crystal structure or structural defects.

This optical microscope allows us to obtain surface topographies and measure 2D and 3D roughness parameters.

With this microscope, we can see elements that cannot be observed or are invisible to the naked eye, through lenses, viewfinders, and beams of light.

The AFM is an Atomic Force Microscope that allows us to measure topography with nanometric resolution and also profiles of almost any surface.

Physical measurements are an essential tool to thoroughly understand the properties of a material or system. With them, we can evaluate characteristics such as strength, hardness, porosity, viscosity, color, etc.

We can measure the topographical characteristics and roughness of surfaces by moving a probe over them, thus providing detailed data on their texture and finish.

We measure the hardness of small or thin materials by penetrating a loaded tip. This is very useful in material research and quality control in manufacturing.

With these tests, we can assess the mechanical strength and behavior of materials under different forces and conditions.

We assess the resistance of surfaces to wear and deformation by applying a load and moving an abrasive tip, providing information about the durability and quality of the material.

We evaluate the porous characteristics of materials, providing information on pore distribution and total porosity to understand their structure and identify their potential applications.

With this, we objectively measure the color of a sample based on the light absorbed or reflected. This color is measured with three parameters L (brightness), a, and b (chromatic coordinates).

This instrument is used to quantify the gloss on surfaces by measuring the amount of reflected light. It is widely used in industries to assess the surface finish of materials and products.

With this measuring instrument, we can assess the mechanical properties of food and materials, such as firmness and texture.

We can measure the viscosity of liquids and the internal resistance of a fluid to flow with this device, giving us greater control over the consistency and quality of liquid products.

Chemical characterization helps us uncover the secrets of materials. With it, we can identify and quantify the elements that make up a substance, as well as its structure and properties.

This analytical technique of spectroscopy uses a glow discharge plasma that allows us to analyze the elemental composition at different depths of solid surfaces.

Thanks to this X-ray analysis technique, we can study the surface chemical composition of materials. It also helps us understand the oxidation state of the elements under study.

This tool combines the use of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. With it, we can analyze and quantify compounds and traces in complex mixtures with a high degree of effectiveness.

We can measure elements and isotopes in samples using inductively coupled plasma and a mass spectrometer.

With infrared spectroscopy, we analyze the chemical bonds of the sample through infrared energy. By observing the absorption bands of the sample, we can identify the types of bonds it contains.

We can measure the absorbance and transmittance of ultraviolet and visible light in a sample, providing information about the quantity and type of substances present in solutions.

X-ray diffraction is employed to study the crystalline structure of materials, allowing us to identify phases and determine the atomic arrangement in solids.

With X-ray fluorescence, we determine the elemental composition of materials. When a sample is illuminated with X-rays, it emits characteristic fluorescence that allows us to identify and quantify elements present in the sample.

We use light scattering to investigate the molecular vibration of materials. By irradiating a sample with light and analyzing the scattered light, we obtain information about the molecular structures and chemical bonds present in the sample.

In addition to the usual characterization techniques, there are other techniques that can be very interesting to thoroughly understand the materials of a product or process.

The contact angle is a measure of the wettability of a solid surface by a liquid. With this angle, we can understand the adhesion properties between the liquid and the solid, as well as the surface tension of the liquid

We can analyze changes in the mass of a sample as it is heated or cooled. This provides us with information about the composition, thermal stability, and decomposition processes of materials.

Through this thermal analysis, we can measure the difference in heat flow between a sample and a reference as they are heated or cooled, providing us with information about thermal transitions.

We measure the mechanical and dimensional properties of a material while subjecting it to controlled temperature changes or deformation.

We assess the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of materials under oscillating deformation, taking into account temperature, frequency, and amplitude.

We measure the corrosion of metallic materials by controlling the electrical potential of the electrode and measuring the generated current. This allows us to assess the speed and nature of the process.

Applications of advanced materials characterisation

Advanced material characterization allows us to thoroughly understand the properties and behaviors of materials. This is essential for creating efficient, durable, and safe products.

With these techniques, designers and manufacturers can optimize the design of their products and improve their production processes. They can also assess the material’s condition before and after subjecting it to extreme conditions, such as accelerated aging.

Measurement with water, ethylene glycol, and diiodomethane of the angle and surface energy after various treatments.

We verify the presence of additives in artificial turf polymers through FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy).

With the FIBSEM technique, we can verify the proper application of thin layers, as well as their thickness and composition.

We use the DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) technique to determine the correct degree of polymerization in an ABS plastic for household appliances.

TGA helps us to determine percentages of elements of Teflon composition by studying their weight loss with temperature.

It allows us to measure the colour of wood samples before and after being subjected to wear and tear by cleaners.

We can detect contaminating compounds in plastic samples that show adhesion failures.

Our projects

View all projects

Materials and Testing

We improve the properties of the plastic and achieve a 160º contact angle with water without modifying the production process or adding coatings.

Materials and Testing

We look for the origin of the corrosion failure of the copper pipes of a heat exchanger through techniques such as SEM, EDX, XRF or water analysis to find out why the failure occurs.

Materials and Testing

We developed a self-healing polymer for aesthetic parts that were easily damaged through additives that are not consumed.

Other technologies

We select, apply, and test smart materials that respond to external stimuli in a controlled manner.

We develop and apply layers on a material to enhance its surface properties or provide it with new functionalities.

We can change the characteristics of a material in a controlled way, improving its performance and broadening its areas of application.

We investigate the causes of failures in an industrial process or commercial product and propose customized solutions to resolve them.

We select and conduct tests that best suit your needs and those of your product, utilizing our wide range of equipment to ensure its quality and safety.

We create tiny holes in a material, thereby modifying its properties, allowing us to control the flow of elements passing through it.

We can endow materials with properties they didn't have before, without the need for adding coatings or chemical agents.

Contact

Your success is our goal. We want to be your partner in the development of your projects, leveraging the power of innovation, flexibility, and the trust we provide. Together, we make a difference through new technologies.

Contact us and let’s build the future together!

Contact us

Our customers

Other technologies

We select, apply, and test smart materials that respond to external stimuli in a controlled manner.

We develop and apply layers on a material to enhance its surface properties or provide it with new functionalities.

We can change the characteristics of a material in a controlled way, improving its performance and broadening its areas of application.

We investigate the causes of failures in an industrial process or commercial product and propose customized solutions to resolve them.

We select and conduct tests that best suit your needs and those of your product, utilizing our wide range of equipment to ensure its quality and safety.

We create tiny holes in a material, thereby modifying its properties, allowing us to control the flow of elements passing through it.

We can endow materials with properties they didn't have before, without the need for adding coatings or chemical agents.

Whitepapers

Types of chemical characterization and equipment necessary to carry it out

Download

Blog

Dive into the world of technology and sustainability through our blog, where you’ll find our latest updates, reflections, and ideas on these exciting topics.

Visit the blog