Expertise
Contamination Analysis and Detection
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX)
EDX, also referred to as EDS and EDAX, is an x-ray technique used to identify the elemental composition of a specimen. EDX systems are bolt-on attachments to SEM and TEM instruments where the imaging capability of the microscope is used to identify the specimen of interest. In simple terms the data generated by EDX analysis consist of spectra showing peaks corresponding to the elements making up the true composition of the specimen being analysed.
In a multi-technique approach EDX becomes very powerful, particularly in contamination analysis and industrial forensic science investigations. In general, if the specimen of interest can be presented to the instrument then Intertek can obtain any elemental information for you.
The technique can be qualitative, semi-quantitative, quantitative and also provide spatial distribution of elements through mapping.
The EDX technique is non-destructive and if required specimens of interest can be examined in situ with little or no sample preparation.
The Intertek MSG Microscopy team has both 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 the 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).
| EDX Applications: | Benefits from EDX Analysis: |
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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 emissionsConstruction and Maintenance monitoring (asbestos)
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Improved quality control and process optimisation
Demonstrate high level of customer service
Retain business and build positive relationships
Rapid identification of contaminant and source
Cost savings due to reduction in waste, reclaim, etc
Full control of environmental factors, emissions etc.
Greater on-site confidence, higher production yield
Hit performance targets and impress your boss
Identifying the source of the problem in process chain
Gain customer confidence
Positive impact on Safety and Health
Win new custom and increase sales
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Advice is available, so make the call +44 (0) 1642 435788 or email MSGenquiry@intertek.com
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