Materialanalys

Materialanalys is the systematic investigation of materials to determine their chemical composition, microstructure, properties, and performance characteristics. It supports product development, quality control, failure analysis, and fundamental research across metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Analyses can be qualitative or quantitative, destructive or non-destructive, depending on objectives and material type.

Common techniques include X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for bulk composition; energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS) for elemental analysis in microscopy; X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase identification and crystallinity; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for imaging and microstructural analysis; optical microscopy for general microstructure; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy for molecular information; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for surface chemistry. For mechanical properties, hardness testing and tensile or impact tests are used; thermal properties are assessed with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA).

Non-destructive methods include ultrasonic testing, X-ray radiography, and computed tomography (CT). Applications span materials development, quality control in manufacturing, failure analysis, and research in electronics, energy storage, coatings, cement, metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. In archaeology and forensics, materialanalys helps determine provenance and composition.

The typical workflow involves sampling, preparation, measurement, data interpretation, and reporting. Analysts assess uncertainties, calibrate instruments, and follow applicable standards and best practices (for example ISO and ASTM families). The outcomes are quantitative data, qualitative conclusions, and actionable recommendations to improve material performance, safety, or reliability.