使用纳米限制进行全面的工业衰竭分析

Azom与Karbach博士进行了交谈，以了解Currenta Analytics为调查其客户的重大投诉所做的工作。

Currenta Analytics如何在故障分析领域起作用？

Currenta is a service provider located in CHEMPARK Leverkusen. The division Currenta Analytics offers an extensive range of analytical services for research, development and production in industry such as material analytics. For example, in this field we investigate material complaints for our customers.

是否有失败或缺陷的样本？我们的工作是评估一切的意义。是外国粒子吗？这是生产错误吗？灰尘进入了系统吗？

根据我们的结果，我们创建了一个报告，包括图像，图表，简短摘要和结论。

For Solid State and Surface Analytics we can fall back on a large portfolio of methods and techniques. Therefore, we have got techniques like Infrared and RAMAN Spectroscopy combined with Microscopy, Thermal Analysis, X-ray Diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy and Optical Microscopy. In addition to this we perform SEM (scanning electron microscope) and elemental analysis as well as nanoindentation experiments.

纳米引导使我们能够在空间测试材料的机械性能，例如沿焊缝接缝进行测量以评估材料失败的位置。

Currenta Analytics使用哪些类型亚博网站下载的材料？

In Solid State and Surface Analytics department we mainly work on polymers and their raw materials, additives and fillers which can be used in almost any application. We can measure all types of materials, from very soft to hard metals, ceramics and organics. Typical areas of application for these materials are industries such as pharmaceuticals and crop protection, consumer goods and construction as well as transportation, electrical engineering/electronics.

分析后，我们将错误的原因告知客户。例如，什么可能导致样本中的裂缝？也许他们焊接得太坚硬，或者冷却得太快。一旦我们确定了原因，我们就会与客户交谈并提出建议或尝试找到解决方案。

What different techniques do you use for failure analysis?

We use a variety of imaging and analytical techniques to help our customers tackle their problems at their roots.

我们总是通过拍摄样品图像开始分析。然后，我们识别缺陷的位置，并使用光学显微镜检查它。我们可以在光学显微镜中使用不同的对比度模式来评估缺陷。如果缺陷是金属，我们可以使用带有元素分析的SEM可视化它。

When analyzing coatings, we would cross section the sample and use an AFM to image all fine layers in the micro- and nanometre range to understand the problem. We can subsequently determine whether there are issues with an interpenetrating layer or an unwanted deposit in the layers of the coating.

We also offer compositional analyses using techniques such as IR Spectroscopy or Raman, and often dissolve the sample in solvent for further measurements. If the sample looks crystalline, we perform crystallographic analysis using X-ray Diffraction to observe its crystal structure and determine if it is disturbed.

Nanoindentation plays an important role when it comes to observing the intersections between materials such as the weld seam in metals or bonding polymers together. For example, we had a customer who welded polymer strips for packaging. One in a thousand strips would break and the customer asked why.

Using optical microscopy and nanoindentation, we determined the mechanical properties of the weld seam.

与更传统的测试方法相比，使用纳米力学测试的优点是什么？

If you carry out a large mechanical test, you only have a large piece to process. With nanoindentation, however, you concentrate directly on the area in which the sample breaks or bends.

随着对技术的压力轻巧增加，这变得越来越重要。例如，笔记本电脑将很快由轻巧且美观的碳纤维复合材料制成，如果设计不正确，也可能会弯曲或破碎。

Through nanomechanical tests we can determine where bends and breaks come from then we feed this back to the designers who can then improve their design.

您为什么选择使用息护物纳米识别系统？

We have been working with Hysitron for 18 years. Initially, it was a project that focused on thin layers of coatings with a thickness of several micrometres. The equipment we had back then was not suitable because we needed something precise enough to work at a nanoscale thickness and a low force. The TriboIndenter from Hysitron was exactly what we needed.

新的XPM测量功能有多有用？

XPM功能非常有用，因为最终您获得的测量和定量图像要快得多。定量映射受到我们的客户的好评。正如他们所说，图像说了一千多个单词（见图1）。

Figure 1.3D印刷聚乳酸（PLA）链的横截面上的XPM模量图。

We can refer to the image above to describe whether certain areas are correct or where the failure comes from. The speed allows you to adjust the range using the optical microscope. You go to the nanoindenter stage with the sample, adjust the area and then use the indenter to adjust the procedure and measure, e.g. 20,000 indentations overnight.

Alternatively, you can use the old-fashioned standard method, which is more suitable in some cases. Measurements for each individual indentation allow you to adjust the depths, so that this instrument has some of the best features of the new and the old.

About Dr Alexander Karbach

Dr. Alexander Karbach works as Material Scientist with over 30 years’ experience in the field of materials characterization of polymers, rubber, metals, ceramics, hybrid materials and drugs.

在Currenta Analytics，他负责地面和固态分析。