Materials Analysis - Cleanliness Testing Lab

Innovatech Labs, Inc.
13805 First Ave. North
Suite 100
Plymouth, MN 55441

Phone (763) 231-0150
Fax (763) 231-0151
Toll free: (888) 740-5227

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Stain on Electrode

Technique Used: AUGER

Stains that sometimes appear on parts are often very thin films (< 100 angstroms) which require a surface analysis tool such as Auger electron spectroscopy. The following example is a stain that was found on a titanium electrode by a medical device manufacturer. The manufacturer suspected that the stain was from the hard water used in the rinse cycle. Auger maps of several different species were obtained from one of the stained areas on the electrode (see figure below). The maps show high levels of calcium, chlorine and potassium in the stain; all of which may be found in hard water. Note that the brighter the pixel, the higher the concentration of the specie that is being mapped.

Auger Maps of Stain on Electrode

Innovatech Labs offers a broad range of cleanliness testing, surface analytical techniques, organic spectroscopies, bulk testing methods, and consulting services. Contact us for more information.