Characterization tools
We leverage state-of-the-art characterization tools to analyze and understand corrosion and material degradation mechanisms across all relevant scales.
Analysis and Characterization Capabilities
Our analytical platform brings together a suite of state-of-the-art equipment covering the full range of needs for corrosion and coatings characterization: scanning electron microscopy coupled with EDX analysis, Raman and thermal desorption spectroscopy, steady-state and dynamic electrochemical methods, as well as techniques dedicated to the study of hydrogen embrittlement. These resources, operated by specialized engineers and technicians, enable us to address both failure analysis issues and characterization needs in the context of accelerated testing or natural ageing. All analyses are conducted in accordance with current international standards (ASTM, ISO, NACE/AMPP), ensuring traceability and reproducibility of results. These characterization capabilities support the requirements across all of our industrial areas of expertise.
1
Microscopy and imaging
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SEM/EDX
Hitachi SU3500 / Ultradry NSS 312
Capabilities
High-resolution imaging · Semi-quantitative elemental analysis · Chemical mapping · Fracture surface analysis · Cross-section observation (coatings, corrosion layers, interfaces)
Applications
Failure analysis · Coated and uncoated surfaces · Complementary characterisation for accelerated tests or natural ageing
Standards
Metallographic microscope
Capabilities
Microstructure observation (polishing + etching) · Coating and corrosion layer thickness measurement · Analysis of cracks, pits and fracture surfaces
Applications
Failure analysis
Standards
Corrosion inspector
Schäfter & Kirchhoff
Capabilities
High-resolution colour imaging · Rapid analysis of filiform corrosion, red rust, blistering, pit density · Edge corrosion analysis
Applications
Failure analysis · Coated and uncoated surfaces
Standards
2
Spectroscopy and surface analysis
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Raman spectroscopy
Xplora Plus
Capabilities
Identification of surface and cross-section species · 2D mapping · Non-destructive characterisation
Applications
Failure analysis · Coated and uncoated surfaces · Complementary characterisation for accelerated tests
Standards
Interferometric profilometer
Wyko NT1100
Capabilities
Non-contact 3D topography · Roughness measurement (Ra, Rq, Rz…) · 3D mapping · Pit quantification (depth, volume, density) · Coating thickness measurement by step
Applications
Failure analysis · Complementary characterisation for accelerated tests or natural ageing
Standards
Scanning Kelvin probe (SKP)
Capabilities
Non-contact Volta potential mapping
Applications
Atmospheric and thin-film corrosion · Coating delamination · Complementary characterisation for accelerated tests
Standards
3
Electrochemical methods
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Potentiostat / Galvanostat
Capabilities
Polarisation curves · Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) · Open circuit potential monitoring (OCP) · Cyclic polarisation (pitting) · Galvanic coupling · Chronoamperometry · Voltammetry
Applications
Failure analysis · CRA characterisation · Organic coating characterisation
Standards
Rotating disc electrode (RDE)
Capabilities
Electrochemical kinetics under hydrodynamic conditions · Kinetic/diffusion decoupling (Levich, Koutecky-Levich) · Evaluation of cathodic reactions (O₂, H⁺)
Applications
Complementary characterisation for accelerated tests
Standards
Avesta cell
Capabilities
Critical pitting temperature (CPT) · Critical crevice corrosion temperature (CCT) · Ranking of localised corrosion resistance
Applications
Failure analysis · CRA characterisation
Standards
Rotating cylinder electrode (RCE)
Capabilities
Flow condition simulation · Flow-induced corrosion and erosion-corrosion · Inhibitor efficiency under dynamic conditions
Applications
Failure analysis · Oil & gas applications · Water circuits
Standards
4
Hydrogen
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Hydrogen permeation cell
Capabilities
Permeation flux through a metallic membrane · Diffusion coefficient and apparent solubility of H · Evaluation of hydrogen trapping
Applications
Hydrogen embrittlement studies (HIC, HISC, SSC)
Standards
Thermal desorption spectroscopy
Bruker Galileo G8
Capabilities
Hydrogen quantification by catharometry or mass spectrometry · Quantification of hydrogen trapping energy
Applications
Hydrogen embrittlement studies (HIC, HISC, SSC)
Standards
5
Other techniques
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Acoustic emission
Capabilities
Non-destructive monitoring of corrosion and cracking phenomena
Applications
Monitoring of corrosion and crack initiation
Standards
ICR — Interfacial contact resistance
Capabilities
Evaluation of coating contact resistance
Applications
Selection of anti-corrosion coatings for electrolyser components
Standards
6
Coating characterisation
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Coating evaluation
Various methods
Capabilities
Thickness measurement (PosiTector) · Porosity (wet sponge) · Adhesion test (pull-off) · Impact test · Colour and gloss measurement · Contact angle measurement
Applications
Failure analysis · Complementary characterisation for accelerated tests or natural ageing
Standards
