Physical Analyses by JFE Techno-Research

JFE-TEC's Approach to Physical Analysis

By utilizing physical analysis and nano-material analysis methods, JFE-TEC analyzes the microstructure of objects and substances from a macro to atomic scale on the basis of material, product, and part.

We introduce optimum methods of analysis according to the material and provide optimum analysis techniques.

Devices and methods used for physical analysis are rapidly advancing. We also introduce physical analyses on the basis of the method of analysis.

• Physical analyses based on material field
• Physical analyses based on analysis method
• Main evaluation items in physical analysis

Physical Analyses based on Material Field

Roles of physical analysis and nano-material analysis

To give direction to research and development, solve malfunctions and failures, and manage processes, it is necessary to consider the conditions of use and examine phenomena after correctly understanding the physical properties of the materials used.

JFE-TEC offers solutions to issues after understanding the physical properties of materials and examining the phenomena.

• STEP 2. Examination of phenomenon

  We examine phenomena by considering the process, use condition, etc.

  • Corrosion reaction,
  • Joining reaction,
  • Electric characteristics, etc.

• STEP 3. Consulting

  Based on examination result, we can make following proposals:

  • Setting direction of research and development,
  • Solution of malfunction and failure
  • Process management

Material-dependent analysis techniques

The structure to exhibit the necessary physical property differs from material to material. We provide optimum analysis techniques according to the structure.

• Metallic material, steel material

  • Strength (fatigue, creep, toughness), heat treatment, processing, welding
  • Issues related to corrosion and corrosion prevention

• Thin film, surface treatment

  • Friction, sliding, corrosion resistance, color tone, electronic physical property, magnetic property, optical characteristics, etc.

• Inorganic material, ceramics

  • High strength, high corrosion resistance, electric physical property (insulation property, electrical conductivity, dielectric property), optical characteristics

• Electronic material, semiconductor

  • Power device, memory/solar cell, MEMS, LED/organic EL, organic electronics
  • Mounted component, electronic component (printed circuit board), capacitor, solder, etc.)

• Magnetic material

  • Magnetic characteristics of hard magnetic material/soft magnetic material (B-H characteristic, hysteresis), and others

• Catalyst, ultrafine particle, nano material

  • Catalyst, ultrafine particle, nano material

• Battery material

  • Material for lithium-ion secondary battery (material for positive electrode, material for negative electrode, etc.):
    Charging/discharging characteristics, electromotive force, durability
  • Capacitor, fuel cell, solar cell: Electromotive force, catalytic activity, oxidation reduction, hydrogen permeability, durability, corrosion resistance, etc.

• Organic/high polymer material

  • Strength, high corrosion resistance, electric physical property (insulation property), optical characteristics

• Health care, biotechnology

  • Strength, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, mixing-in and generation of foreign substance, etc.

• Environment and safety

  • Safety of fine particles (asbestos, nano particles)

Physical Analyses based on Analysis Method

JFE-TEC observes and analyzes the sections, interface structures, and morphologies of products and composite materials that employ thin films and fine particles of metal, ceramics, and high polymers at nano-scale resolutions. We will also undertake precise sample preparation for observation of section/interface structure and morphology.

The size of controlled structure and analysis method vary from material to material.

We offer optimum analysis techniques for optimum morphological observation, element analysis, surface chemical state analysis, and crystalline structure analysis.

Practical sample thickness and detectable concentration range in nano material analysis

The practical sample thickness and detectable concentration range in various analysis methods are restricted. The table below shows some examples.

Selection of microscope for material

As the structure to analyze differs from subject to subject, the analysis method differs as well.

• Morphological observation

  Various bulk materials, thin film/surface treatment, and fine particle morphology (shape, size/thickness, particle size distribution, aggregability) are observed.

  • Surface morphology/structure observation
  • Section/fine structure observation

• Elementary analysis

  Elements composing various bulk materials, thin film/surface treatment, fine particles are analyzed (qualitative/quantitative analysis, in-plane distribution/depth direction distribution/ three-dimensional distribution, chemical bonding state).

  • Analysis of element of minute part
  • Surface chemical state analysis
  • Bulk chemical state analysis

• Crystalline structure analysis

  Various bulk materials, thin film/surface treatment, and the crystalline structure of fine particle (substance identification, determination of crystalline structure, crystalline orientation/aggregate structure, and residual stress) are observed, and then evaluated and analyzed.

  • Average information
  • Local analysis

• Sample preparation

  Samples suitable for analyses in atomic scale to macro scale such as section polishing, FIB processing, argon ion beam processing, and microtoming of various materials (steel/non-ferrous metal, ceramics, semiconductor, polymer, thin film/surface treatment, etc.) are prepared.

  In the case with cryo microtome/FIB suitable for polymer materials susceptible to damage, material for lithium-ion secondary battery and neodymium magnet, we also undertake preparation in environment unexposed to atmosphere, which is a prerequisite.

Main Evaluation Items and Analysis Methods of Physical Analysis (Our Proprietary Techniques)

Morphological observation

Surface chemical state analysis

Evaluation item: crystalline structure analysis

Evaluation item: composition analysis

Evaluation item: physical property evaluation

Evaluation item: working environment analysis/investigation

Example of Papers and Presentations at Symposium by JFE-TEC