Did you know that the reason stainless steel resists rust and corrosion is that it has a very thin film coating its surface? This stainless steel coating is a byproduct of the metal elements within the stainless steel interacting with oxygen in the air, and it only forms under specific circumstances.
ESCA Blog Posts & Resources
How Does Chemical Failure Analysis Work?
Failure analysis is an essential safety and quality assurance protocol for virtually all modern manufacturing processes. Before a product is deemed safe, professionals need to make sure it is going to perform its intended functions to exact specifications without compromise.
Uses of Chemical Analysis for Steel
Chemical analysis for steel works differently from other chemical analysis techniques, and requires its own procedures and equipment. This is what you should know about ESCA, including how it works, how Innovatech uses it, and how it could help you.
4 Polymer Testing Methods for Better Development of Products
Polymer testing is an extremely important part of plastic product development. Additives, contaminants, and a wide range of environments can all drastically affect the performance of a polymer-based product. Understanding how and why your polymer product will be affected in as many conditions as possible is crucial to ensuring quality and suitability for the product’s intended application.
Evaluating Corona Treatment of Polymers with Electron Spectroscopy Chemical Analysis
The right surface can make all the difference. This is especially true when affixing a polymer to another material during manufacturing. Using corona or plasma treatment modifies the surface of materials such as polymers, metalized surfaces, foils, and paperboard stocks, allowing better adhesion between materials. Determining the ideal settings for the plasma treatment can take […]
Product Quality Control Testing for Manufactured Products
Imagine opening a can of your favorite soft drink, only to find it tastes different than usual. And then the next one is even farther from the original flavor. Can after can, there’s no consistency — some are more carbonated, some less sweet, and at least one makes you feel sick to your stomach. How […]
How X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy/ESCA Works
X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), also referred to as Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) is a surface analysis technique that provides quantitative and chemical state information about a sample material’s surfaces and interfaces. XPS is an incredibly flexible, sensitive, and efficient analysis technique with applications across a broad range of organic and inorganic materials. Because […]
How to Analyze XPS Data: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’ve ever sent a sample in for surface analysis, there’s a good chance that you’re already familiar with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS is a surface analysis technique with multiple applications, and is widely used across numerous industries. Also referred to as electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), XPS analysis is suitable for a […]
The Advantages and Disadvantages of X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS/ESCA)
Pop quiz, quality control specialists and product developers. Which is a better surface analysis method: X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) or Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA)? The answer? Trick question. XPS spectroscopy and ESCA are actually the same technique. But fun and games aside, this materials testing method has wide ranging applications as an effective […]
Plastics Analysis: 4 Examples of Materials Testing Techniques in Action
For decades, plastics have become increasingly ubiquitous within our daily lives, serving as an essential packaging material and product ingredient. But despite the years of use, and countless hours spent perfecting a plastic’s chemical makeup and manufacturing process, failure or malfunction happens—whether it be through human error or an equipment misfire on the production line. […]
