Materials characterization is the process of measuring structure, composition and properties so engineers can understand why a material behaves as it does. No single technique answers every question.
Optical and electron microscopy
Optical microscopy reveals macrostructure and microstructure at moderate magnification. Scanning electron microscopy provides much greater depth of field and resolution, while transmission electron microscopy can examine nanoscale and atomic-scale features in prepared specimens.
Chemical and phase analysis
EDS/EDX can identify local elemental composition in an electron microscope. X-ray diffraction is widely used to identify crystalline phases, estimate lattice parameters and investigate texture or residual stress.
Thermal analysis
DSC measures heat-flow changes associated with transformations, melting and reactions. TGA measures mass change with temperature and is useful for oxidation, decomposition and volatile content. Dilatometry tracks dimensional changes and phase transformations.
Surface characterization
Surface roughness measurement, XPS, profilometry and microscopy help evaluate coatings, contamination, oxidation and wear. Surface condition is often critical to adhesion, fatigue and corrosion.
Mechanical testing
Tensile, hardness, impact, fatigue, creep and fracture-toughness testing connect microstructure to engineering performance. Test standard, specimen geometry, orientation and temperature must be reported with the result.
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