Microscopy

In plastics testing, microscopy plays a decisive role in the analysis and evaluation of material properties, as in most cases these are significantly influenced by the microstructure and surface structure. A wide variety of microscopic techniques are available in our laboratories, which can provide a wide range of information about a component, e.g. processing quality, ageing condition or degree of damage, as well as possible weak points or causes of damage.

Martina Schubert

Project Manager | Special Services and Expert Reports

Würzburg

+49 931 4104-135

m.schubert@skz.de

Ulli Eisenhut

Group Manager | Special Services and Expert Reports

Würzburg

+49 931 4104-430

u.eisenhut@skz.de

Further details on this test method

In our test laboratory, different methods are used to prepare samples for microscopy.

Direct sampling from test specimens, components or granulates
Production of thin sections using microtomy
Production of microsections by embedding, grinding and polishing
Preparation of cryogenic fractures
Production of cross-sections, e.g. for foil samples
Incineration for filler analysis

Types of lighting

Incident light
Transmitted light
Sidelight
Segmentable ring light

Contrasting types

Bright field
Dark field
Polarization
Polarization with retardation plates

Detection types in scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

Secondary electron detector (SE) for topography contrast
Backscatter electron detector (BSE) for material contrast
InLens detector for low-voltage operation
VPSE detector for low-vacuum investigations
EDX detector for elemental analysis

Stereomicroscope: 5x to 63x magnification
Classic light microscopes: 25x to 1,000x magnification
Digital light microscopes: 20x to 1,000x magnification, motorized specimen stage, 3D display and automatic image stitching possible
High-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-REM): up to 900,000x magnification, resolution < 5 nm, coupled with EDX detector for element analysis
FTIR microscope

Surface characterization
Surface analyses are particularly relevant when it comes to characterizing functional materials or high-quality visible parts, which are used in medical technology or the automotive industry, for example.
Microstructure analysis
The microscopic examination of microstructures and/or filler size distributions is used for almost all types of plastic and enables the establishment of structure-property relationships.
Stress optics
By using polarization filters, stress-optical examinations can be carried out which allow comparative statements to be made about the internal stress state of transparent plastic components.
Failure analysis
In the event of material failure or damage to plastic components, microscopy can be used to analyze fracture surfaces, cracks and damaged areas in order to determine possible causes of damage or identify weak points. This is crucial in order to develop suitable solutions and avoid future failures.