Materials science

Material science provides a varied and challenging range of samples for spectroscopic analysis which is ideally suited to the versatility offered by Renishaw's inVia Raman microscope. Typical materials include composites, polymers and catalyst reagents. Many of these samples can benefit from a second, complementary analysis technique, such as the pioneering structural and chemical analyser, or SEM-SCA, a combination of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and microRaman capabilities

For example, a recent case study involved the use of Renishaw Raman technology to investigate a crack in a steel component from a nuclear reactor. It was thought, and confirmed by initial microRaman analysis, that the cracking was caused by oxidation induced brittleness. In order to understand more fully the processes involved in this degradation, and hence allow preventative steps to be initiated, a more detailed analysis was required. The large depth of field and chemical analysis on the micron scale afforded by the SEM-SCA successfully facilitated this specific analysis. For more examples of material analysis using SEM-SCA and combined FT-IR Raman systems, please download the relevant document.

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SCA oxidation application notes - copper and steel

This note illustrates how the SEM-SCA can be used to study the corrosion of copper wire and nuclear reactor steel (four pages).

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Crystal structure and Raman scattering

Applications of Raman spectroscopy for polymorph identification, with example materials such as Titanium Oxide, Carbon films, Silicon carbide and amiloride hydrogen chloride.

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Combined SEM and optical spectroscopy: new tools for characterising materials

One page document illustrating the use of Renishaw's SEM-SCA to characterise materials, using results from a diamond film as examples.

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Structural and chemical analyser for SEM

One page document illustrating the use of the SEM-SCA for analysing cemented diamond composites.

Rapid detection of brominated flame retardants

One page document illustrating the use of Raman for detecting materials such as polybromodiphenyl ethers.