Surface Science Western

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) provides elemental and isotopic analysis of very small volumes situated on the surface of solid samples. Operated in dynamic SIMS mode, an energetic primary ion beam sputters ions and neutrals from the sample surface. Some of the sputtered material is ejected either as positive or negative secondary ions. Therefore, each point of the surface becomes a source…

Request for analysis: A refractory feed ore sample containing pyrite and arsenopyrite mineral phases was to be analysed for the presence of “invisible” sub-microscopic gold. Objectives: Methodology: Polished sections from specific size fractions of the ore sample were prepared and grains representing both mineral phases were selected and marked for analysis. These mineral particles were analysed …

Request for analysis: Recovery efficiency during the leaching process of an ore sample containing free gold is low. Examine the surface of unleached free gold grains found in the CIL residue tails for the presence of passivating coatings. Objectives: Methodology: Individual free gold grains were selected under the optical stereo microscope from both feed and CIL residue samples and mounted on an …

Request for analysis: Plastic mouldings are attached to painted surfaces of an automobile side panel using a foam adhesive strip. During application at an assembly facility it was noted that intermittent failures of the adhesive were occurring and, as time progressed, full failure of all mouldings were found. Objectives: Methodology: The foam adhesive surfaces, painted side panels exhibiting full…

Basic SEM/EDX spectroscopy screening of the sample composition. Comparative ToF-SIMS surface analysis of feed, con and tail samples to determine statistically significant differences in the surface composition related to potential activators and depressants. Twenty grains per sample will be analyzed.

XRD is an analytical technique used to identify phases in a wide variety of crystalline materials, such as minerals, corrosion products, thin films, bulk materials and polymers. Instrument: The Rigaku SmartLab is a highly automated, multipurpose X-ray diffractometer (XRD). This fully loaded system is a high-resolution XRD equipped with a Cross Beam Optics (CBO) system and a high-precision theta-t…

Request for analysis: Multiple crater defects were occurring on painted car panels. Objectives: Methodology: Time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) was used to determine if any contamination was responsible for the crater defects. The instrument used in this work was an ION-TOF (GmbH), ToF-SIMS IV with an upgraded, state-of-the-art, Bismuth Liquid Metal Ion Source (LMIG). This …

Request for analysis: A local manufacturer was experiencing blister defects occurring in foam rubber pieces used in door trim. Objectives: Methodology: The defects were examined in plan view and in cross-section. The cross-sections showed the presence of a white particle in a void. Selected particles were then examined using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrare…

Request for analysis: A refractory sulphide ore containing carbonaceous matter has been processed in an AC POX/CIL test plant. The gold recovery after cyanidation leaching is low. The CIL residue was analysed for possible losses due to preg-robbing of gold from the cyanide solution onto carbonaceous material present in the sample. Objectives: Methodology: Results of the study: Separate carbonaceo…

Request for analysis: A company was experiencing paint defects in their blue basecoat. The defects appeared as round dark blue spots within the blue basecoat paint. Objectives: Methodology: The defects were cross-sectioned and thin slices removed from the defect area. The defects were then examined using optical microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Result…

SSW offers clients a range of high-quality analytical services and cost-effective access to the latest in analysis technology and techniques. We are well versed with many subjects, and whether you’re not sure how to get started, or you already know exactly which equipment you need, please let us know how we can help you. SSW’s reputation for high-quality analytics and client consultation has earn…

Request for analysis: An automotive assembler was experiencing pinhole (or bubble) paint defects on their car hoods. The defects would appear as series of pinholes in long parallel lines on the painted hoods. Objectives: Methodology: Metallographic cross-sections were prepared of several pinhole defects. These were then examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy disper…

Similar to a hospital CAT scanning system, Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) is a non-destructive 3D imaging technique (4-D with time-based measurements) that uses a highly energetic X-Ray beam to create a series of 2D projections, whose greyscales vary with the volume’s internal density and atomic number variations. These projections are reconstructed to create a virtual 3D model, allowing us…

Quantitative D-SIMS analysis of sub-microscopic gold in sulphide minerals

Surface analyses and materials characterizations are essential to understanding the performance and reliability of your materials and products, which can decrease costly returns, lead to new innovative processes, and ultimately create increased profitability for your company. SSW works with approximately 175 different companies in a given year, representing many sectors of the economy including, …

Request for analysis: Metallurgical testing on a poly metallic Cu/Pb/Zn ore indicated either copper or lead activation of sphalerite in a Cu/Pb flotation test. Objective: To establish and rank the factors controlling sphalerite flotation. Methodology: The surface composition of individual sulphide grains was examined by TOF-SIMS and comparative analyses of the surface chemistries on sphalerite gr…

Technique: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measures the mass of a sample while the sample is heated or cooled in a defined atmosphere. The main use of thermogravimetric analysis is to characterize materials with regard to their composition. Instrument: Mettler Toledo TGA 2 System Capabilities: Selected Applications in Industry:

UV-Vis is an analytical technique that measures the amount of discrete wavelengths of UV or visible light that are absorbed by or transmitted through a sample. The absorbance of white light of a liquid gives information on the species in the solution, and in some cases enables quantification by using calibration standards. Instrument: Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrometer System Capabilities: Selec…

Request for analysis: A client sent a fuel door exhibiting crater defects along with a test panel with potential contaminants (one of which was craters created using a Polysporin® reference). We were asked to examine and identify the defect material in the craters. Objectives: Compare the material associated with the crater defects and tests panels to see if one of the suspect contaminants was th…

The use of low duty cycle pulsed-unipolar current mode for producing Alumina/ZnO nanocomposite coatings via plasma electrolytic oxidation process, S. Shahzamani, A. Ashrafi, M.R. Toroghinejad, V. Dehnavi and A. Hakimizad, Materials Research Express (2019), 6, 076555. Read Full Text Galvanic interaction of pyrite with Cu activated sphalerite and its effect on xanthate adsorption, L. Xia, B. Hart, …