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Manufacturing solutions service for industry

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SURFACE ANALYSIS

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is an advanced surface analytical technique which allows the elemental composition and chemistry of the outermost layers of solid surfaces to be determined. Surfaces play a key role in the manufacture and processing of many products. Surface analysis can be used to examine materials including metals, polymers, biomaterials, textiles, semiconductors, ceramics and glass. XPS can identify changes in composition with time, spatial location and depth. Surface analysis is an essential practical tool for the improvement of manufacturing technologies, enhanced quality control and R&D tasks.

The Advanced Surface Imaging and Spectroscopy Facility was established in Melbourne in 1999 as a joint venture between the Centre for Materials and Surface Science (CMSS), La Trobe University and Monash University with the support of a number of Victorian-based manufacturers. The Facility services the research requirements of scientists and industries and offers commercial surface analytical services.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY CMSS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

  • University programs &endash; undergraduate courses and postgraduate research projects
  • Technology diffusion programs for industry funded by DISR

COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES

  • Promotion of co-operative activities between local and international research and industrial organisations

COMMERCIAL SURFACE ANALYTICAL SERVICES

  • Staff with a wide range of expertise
  • Available to research and industrial organisations

Practicals applications of surface analysis in industry are outlined in our brochure series
Download (
PDF)

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New manufacturing solutions service for industry

Request assistance online

Visit our state-of-the-art surface analysis laboratories

On-line visit request

An introduction to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (view PDF)

An overview of industrial applications of XPS (view PDF)

Analysis of aluminium aerospace alloys (view PDF)

Surface treatments of natural fibres (view PDF)

Depth profiling semiconductor structures (view PDF)



APPLICATIONS OF SURFACE ANALYSIS IN INDUSTRY

  • R&D for improved processing technologies
  • Quality control in manufacturing
  • Environmental issues
  • Forensic investigations

ADHESION SCIENCE

  • Analysis of surfaces prior to application of adherent
  • Correlation of adhesion with surface cleanliness
  • Bond failure location
  • Quality control of coating production processes

METALLURGY AND MINERAL SCIENCES

  • Elemental distributions on mineral particle surfaces
  • Oxide growth studies
  • Elemental diffusion in metallic matrices
  • Intergranular and transgranular studies of fracture

MICROELECTRONICS

  • Film analysis and thickness determinations
  • Chemical distribution of species and within the film
  • Chemical mapping of surface structures
  • Study of diffusion processes
  • Study of dopants

POLYMERS, PAPERS AND PACKAGING

  • Chemical state identification and mapping at polymer surfaces and interfaces
  • Analysis of surface treatments for enhanced printability
  • Investigation of de-inking and recycling processes

CORROSION SCIENCE

  • Investigation of the interactions of metal surfaces with the surroundings
  • Studies of the breakdown of protective surface coatings and treatments
  • Identification of passivating layers
  • Determination of thin film growth or depletion rates
  • Depth profiles of corroded materials

CATALYSIS

  • Identification of catalyst poisons
  • Comparison of fresh and spent catalysts
  • Quality control in catalyst production

FIBRE SCIENCE

  • Imaging of cellulose fibres in paper
  • Studies of surface treatments of textiles, for example wool, cotton, synthetics
  • Cohesion of fibre reinforced composites
  • Investigation of chemical reactions at the surface of hair

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INDUSTRIALLY RELEVANT PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

  • Surface treatments in the automotive sector
  • Development of optoelectronic device materials
  • Control of surface charge on packaging polymers
  • Thermally resistant ceramic barrier layers
  • Chemical imaging of mineral particles
  • Surface modification of natural fibres

Centre staff have a wide range of expertise across the disciplines of physics, chemistry, materials science and electronics engineering. A group of specialists can be assembled to address specific project requirements. Consultancy tasks are carried out in strict confidence with client participation encouraged.

Practicals applications of surface analysis in industry are outlined in our brochure series
Download (
PDF)

New manufacturing solutions service for industry

Request assistance online

Visit our state-of-the-art surface analysis laboratories

On-line visit request

Return to top


Return to top


Return to top


Visit our state-of-the-art surface analysis laboratories

On-line visit request

INSTRUMENTATION

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)

  • Imaging XPS
  • Chemical state and compositional analysis
  • Angle dependent XPS & depth profiling
  • Multiple point and small spot analyses

Other analytical techniques

  • Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS)
  • Electron microscopy & X-ray diffraction
  • Contact angle measurement
  • Scanning probe microscopies
  • An extensive range of semiconductor analyses

SAMPLE TYPES

Most solid materials can be analysed including powders, particles and fibres. Samples must be vacuum-compatible A vacuum analytical environment allows changes in surface characteristics to be examined under controlled conditions.

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