Particles analysis is an important tool in a wide range of different industries. Whether you are using particles as raw ingredients, dealing with particle emissions from industrial plants, or enhancing a drug formulation, it is important to analyze and characterize the particles. MVA Scientific Consultants offers a wide variety of microscopy techniques to characterize particles: scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (TEM/EDS), micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman microscopy and polarized light microscopy (PLM).
SEM/EDS Particle Testing – SEM/EDS is a versatile technique for particle analysis. It gives high-resolution images for particles in the millimeter to nanometer range with magnifications up to 300,000X, giving information on the morphology, surface texture and degree of particle agglomeration in the microenvironment.
SEM/EDS also has the capability to perform automated particle size distribution analysis and obtain elemental chemistry of each of the particles.
TEM Particle Testing – TEM/EDS is extremely useful for imaging particles less than 100 nm in size, including nanoparticles, soot particles, nano diamonds, asbestos and other fibers with potential health impacts. The electron beam penetrates through the sample to allow for imaging of the interior structure of the particles.
TEM is valuable for analyzing small particles for size distribution, morphology, crystal structure determination and elemental composition.
FTIR Particle Testing – FTIR spectroscopy is a versatile and useful technique for characterizing pure particles and identifying unknown particles. It is a robust technique that gives molecular information on a wide range of materials such as polymers, minerals, surfactants, paints and rubbers.
Raman Particle Testing – Confocal Raman spectroscopy is used for characterizing small particles. It provides information on the molecular structure and crystallinity of a particle and is used for analyzing pigments, pharmaceutical ingredients, inorganic materials, biologicals, polymers, and coatings. In addition to single particle analysis, Raman chemical imaging provides a mapping capability for a large number of particles. Particle mapping is used for for studying particle blends in drug formulations, simultaneously giving chemical and particle size information on the ingredients.
Polarized Light Microscopy Testing – Optical microscopy provides for the quick analysis of different types of particles. It gives information on morphology, including size and optical properties. It is especially useful for studying minerals, soils, environmental particulates, fibers, hairs, and asbestos.
With over 30 years of experience, MVA Scientific Consultants has solved over 11,000 interesting and challenging problems. To learn more about how MVA Scientific Consultants’ particle analysis services can handle your specific needs, contact us today at 770-662-8509 or by emailing info@mvainc.com.
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Particle Characterization