Detailed and versatile analyses with electron microscopy
Scanning electron microscope is a versatile and quick analysis tool in examining different kinds of materials. The method is used when detailed information is required of the material to understand for example the cause of a damage.
SEM images can be taken of details as small as 1/1000 mm. The images can be further studied with the help of image analysis with quantitative information as a result, for example size distribution of grains. Information of the element composition and amount is gathered with EDS analysis equipment attached to the electron microscope. Distribution of the elements at different points of the sample becomes obvious with elementary dot maps or with line analysis.

Electron microscope analysis of a building material sample can reveal, for instance:
Composition of crystallizations (precipitates of surfaces, filling minerals of pores and cracks)
Crystal form and looseness of fine aggregate or blend material (with image analysis also size, form,
yilength vs. breadth)
The depth and habit of chlorine ingress in concrete (elementary dot maps or line analysis)
The thickness, quantity and composition of coating layers (moisture barrier, paint layers)
Corrosion of the steel zinc layer
Most building material samples like ceramics, stones, mineral wool, glass, coating layers, wood, concrete and its constituents etc. can be analysed with electron microscope. The samples can be studied as such as powders, grains, broken pieces or by preparing a polished cross-section surface.

Contact: Paula Raivio, tel. +358 9 2525 2441

Microstructure of a concrete after frost-salt tests (100 cycles).

Typical EDS spectrum of cement paste. Elements: Ca calsium, Si silicon, Al aluminium, S sulphur,
K potassium, Na sodium, Mg magnesium, Fe iron, O oxygen, C carbon.