Microporous Materials Analysis
Microporous materials analysis and characterisation.
Intertek provides assessment of microporous and composite microstructured materials, including organic based, organic-inorganic composites and derivatives of these materials with surface functionality or encapsulated products. Microporous analytical techniques can be applied to early stage R&D programs, problem solving with established products, and to the development of new products requiring establishment of specifications and consistent quality. Techniques applied to assess morphology and physical properties measure surface area, porosity, distribution of chemicals in microstructures, and accessibility of pores.
Microporous analytical testing techniques:
- Imaging of overall material structures by microscopy:
- SEM, TEM
- EDAX for maps of element distribution
- Staining techniques for imaging blends and multiphase polymer morphologies
- Freeze fracture for internal morphology structure
- Infrared (IR) and Fluorescence microscopy
- Particle size distribution image analysis software
- Imaging structures in liquid dispersion, solution or gels:
- Cryo SEM
- Access to environmental SEM
- Solid state NMR (e.g. for hydrogels or micro-encapsulated products)
- Staining and tagging for imaging active site distribution:
- Heavy metal antibody tags for biopharmaceutical formulations
- Specific imaging agents for general use
- Micromanipulation of samples to separate out individual components and structures:
- Microtoming
- Polishing
- Access to ion beam etching (FIB)
- Gas Porosimetry (Helium) for measurement of:
- BET Surface area
- Internal and external surface area
- Average pore volume and diameter
Microporous materials analysis:
Contact us to see how Intertek can help your organization with Microporous Materials Analysis.