Microstructural Studies Unit

Surface analysis techniques can be used to solve problems in a huge range of areas, some of which are listed below.

• Adhesive failure analysis/delamination
• Identification of surface contamination
• Assessment of cleaning procedures
• Elemental composition – bulk and surface
• Chemical state information
• Material identification and verification
• Micro or nano particle analysis
• Thin film analysis
• Metal passivation and corrosion
• Grain boundary segregation in metals
• Surface segregation
• Protective coatings and paints
• Identification of stains and discolorations
• Polymer surface functionality before and after various treatments
• Oxide film thickness
• Surface ultra-thin film thickness
• Depth profiles of thin film components
• Defect identification
• Molecular identification of lubricants, additives, and contaminants
• Catalysis.

Are the techniques destructive?

SEM, EDS,WDS and EBSD are potentially non destructive techniques, however TEM/STEM requires advanced sample preparation resulting in a significant change to the sample.

Minimum detectable concentration of an element

The minimum detectable concentration of most elements in EDS and WDS varies with the atomic number of the element and the nature of the material it is in.

As each problem is unique our fees will vary depending upon:

• The analysis techniques required
• The level of analysis or information required
• The difficulty of sample preparation
• Sample type and sample number

So we can't give specific quotes until we have discussed your needs. However an initial discussion with our Laboratory Manager will be free of charge.

Discounts

For those companies that are sponsoring MSc or PhD students or our Engineering Doctorate researchers, discounts are given on the cost of analysis. For significant analysis requiring several days of instrument time a discount may also be applicable.

Examples

An example of a variation in costs would be, the analysis of metallic samples in XPS where a surface composition is only required without any chemical state information can be completed faster and more easily than the analysis of insulators where chemical state information is desired.

Another example with varying costs is analysis in our Auger microscope, the elemental composition of a nanoparticle can be obtained far faster than the composition of a fracture interface fractured in vacuo.

Initial discussion

You are welcome to visit the Laboratory and discuss your requirements in person, or you can send our Unit Manager, David Jones an email.

The laboratory staff will always be clear about our capability, facilities, analysis timescale and the results you can expect from the analysis.

Detailed quote is given

If it is decided to go ahead with an investigation a description of the proposed work and a detailed quote will be sent to you for approval.

Collecting and sending your samples

As the surface of samples is so easily contaminated, please, while wearing gloves, wrap the samples securely in fresh aluminium foil and then place in ziplock sample bags. Samples should be clearly labelled individually with a number or other reference if they are sent in a batch.

Samples can be precision cut, mounted in a range of materials, gold or carbon coated, polished to a sub micron finish suitable for microscopy, EBSD, precision ion polishing and electropolishing.

Our maximum sample size is determined by the size of the vacuum gate valves in our equipment. For EDS and WDS this is 2x2x2 cm. A wide range of sample preparation can be carried out on site to ensure a sample is a suitable size for analysis.

You can bring the samples here to the Laboratory in person, or send them to us by post at:

Microstructural Studies Unit
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 7XH

The analysis

Typically analysis is completed within one to two weeks from when the sample is received. However if the results are needed urgently then a rush can be achieved and analysis is completed in a few days.

Receiving your data

Once the analysis is complete the data that is collected is considered to be your property and is confidential. A copy will be sent to you and the original files can either be archived for up to two years or deleted at your request. Your samples can be returned should you require them.