Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX)

Energy dispersive x-Ray (EDX) composition analysis.

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), also referred to as EDS and EDAX, is an x-ray technique used to identify the elemental composition of a specimen. Applications include materials and product research, troubleshooting, deformulation and more.

EDX systems are attachments to SEM and TEM instruments where the imaging capability of the microscope is used to identify the specimen of interest. The data generated by EDX analysis consist of spectra showing peaks corresponding to the elements making up the true composition of the sample being analysed.

In a multi-technique approach EDX becomes very powerful, particularly in contamination analysis and industrial forensic science investigations. The technique can be qualitative, semi-quantitative, quantitative and also provide spatial distribution of elements through mapping.

The EDX technique is non-destructive and specimens of interest can be examined in situ with little or no sample preparation. Intertek Microscopy teams have SEM and TEM EDX capability, including elemental mapping. The EDX systems also have Image Analysis packages that can be applied to any images generated by the team.

In situations where combined Microscopy and EDX data acquired are insufficient to identify a specimen, the team then draws on complementary techniques available within other parts of MSG, typically FTIR Microscopy, RAMAN, NMR and Surface Analysis (XPS/SIMS).

Intertek EDX analysis applications: 

• Product deformulation and competitor analysis
• Adhesion, bonding, delamination investigations
• Optical appearance, haze and colour problems
• Disputed claim investigations and expert witness
• Failure investigations, identification of cause
• Catalyst quality, poisoning and elemental distribution
• Product imperfections and defect analysis
• Contamination detection, isolations and identification
• Quality control, raw material and end product
• Filler, pigment, fibre, additive distribution, orientation
• Assessment of plant particulate emissions
• Construction and maintenance monitoring (asbestos)

Benefits from EDX analysis: 

• Improved quality control and process optimisation
• Rapid identification of contaminant and source
• Full control of environmental factors, emissions etc
• Greater on-site confidence, higher production yield
• Identifying the source of the problem in process chain

Contact us to see how Intertek can help your organization with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX).