Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news and events from TWI:

Subscribe >
Skip to content

Characterisation Facility

Characterisation Facility
Innerpage Title Banner

'Material characterisation' is the use of analytical techniques to observe and measure the internal structure of materials, their chemical content, and their degradation mechanisms (eg corrosion and cracking). TWI’s Characterisation Facility can make accurate diagnoses using a number of techniques, including:

  • Conventional metallography and light microscopy;
  • Focus variation microscopy (ie 3D microscopy and surface profilometry);
  • Hardness testing (including automated nano- and micro hardness testing);
  • Scanning electron microscopy including energy dispersive X-ray and Wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis and electron back-scattered diffraction (SEM with EDX and WDX);
  • Electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) phase and texture analysis;
  • Optical emission spectrometry chemical analysis (OES);
  • Inductively coupled plasma chemical analysis (ICP-OES);
  • O, N and H analysis by inert gas fusion;
  • C/S by combustion;
  • Diffusible Hydrogen analysis by vacuum hot extraction (VHE);
  • Free N by isothermal extraction (IE);
  • Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC);
  • Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectrometry;
  • X-ray diffraction (XRD) phase identification;
  • Micro X-ray CT;
  • Corrosion, hydrogen sulphide (H2S), and carbon dioxide (CO2) testing.

Equipment factsheets

3D non-contact profilometer

Automated light microscope and image analyser

Environmental scanning electron microscope

Field emission gun scanning electron microscope

X-ray diffractometer

See here for a full list of TWI equipment.

For more information please email:


contactus@twi.co.uk