'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.