Art conservation is a delicate field. It is intrinsically involved with preserving cultural heritage while expanding our knowledge through experimentation. This demands a careful balance of artistic sensitivity and scientific precision. Among the advanced technologies significantly impacting this area, micro X-ray fluorescence (micro XRF or microXRF) stands out as a revolutionary tool. This article delves […]
The nanoscale, typically defined as dimensions between 1 and 100 nanometers, represents a critical frontier in materials science and industrial R&D. At this scale, materials exhibit unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties that differ significantly from their bulk counterparts. This article delves into the importance of nanoscale exploration, the insights gained from surface and materials […]
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a technique that uses X-rays to characterise the surface of materials by allowing the identification of elements and chemical species. XPS can detect the composition of the top layers of a material, having a depth of analysis up to 10 nanometers, and it is sensitive to all elements of the […]
Friction is not a fundamental force. It is a result, not a cause – unlike gravity or electromagnetism. Specifically: friction occurs due to electromagnetic attraction between charged particles in mating surfaces. Whether those surfaces are in motion plays a role in the type of friction at play (static versus kinetic). But most important is the […]
Bones are an essential part of human and animal bodies – offering protection, structure and support, as well as facilitating movement. They have intricate structures, and understanding their development is crucial for various fields, including anthropology, medicine and palaeontology. One of the most accurate and effective ways of analysing bone structure is through Micro-CT. This […]
X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a powerful analytical technique suitable for analysing a material’s bulk physical properties, such as crystalline structure and phase composition. It is commonly used in research and industry as XRD helps scientists characterise solid solutions, identify patterns, and many other applications. A wide range of XRD instruments are available for researchers to […]
Spectroscopy is the cornerstone of analytical science. It enables researchers to study the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter, providing all manner of critical insights. Within that ambit is the Raman effect. This is the foundational element of Raman imaging, which helps unveil the chemical composition and molecular structure of various samples. But how does […]
Optical emission spectrometry, often abbreviated as OES, is a sophisticated method that involves the study of spectral lines emitted by elements in the sample when they are excited. The process typically uses arc spark or spark excitation to stimulate the metal sample, leading to light emission at specific wavelengths. These wavelengths are then analyzed to […]
Depth profiling is a pivotal technique in materials science, offering insights into the vertical distribution of elements or chemical species within a sample. This process, crucial for understanding a material’s composition and structure, involves analyzing the surface layer and progressively removing material layer by layer. This blog post delves into the intricacies of depth profiling, […]
Total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) is not just another acronym in the vast landscape of materials science. It’s a game-changer. When it comes to achieving higher sensitivity, lower detection limits, and reduced background noise in X-ray fluorescence analysis, TXRF stands out as a premier technique. But what makes it so special, and where is it most […]
