Metal analysis using SEM of metal object

[Destruct2021]

Anyone in the Boston area have access to a SEM system that can be used for metallurgical analysis of a fragment of an artifact?

We have a small fragment from the artifact shown in the attached picture. We have tried a handheld XRF analysis but the surface is oxidized and contaminated.

We can bring the fragment to you if you're in the Boston area and could ship it to you if you're far away.

 

[dik]

sem? scanning electron microscope? can a lab do a chemical anlaysis from a non-contaminated part of the fragment?

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[Destruct2021]

Yes scanning electron microscope. We used a Thermofisher XRF system (handheld) but there is rust and paint?? on the surface. We have a small fragment from the end that can be used to get to the original metal. We are looking to get a breakdown of what the metal is made from so we can evaluate its age. Ever done that before?

The data we got from the XRF scan picked up the outer material but couldn't get to the "clean" material.

 

[dik]

Not me... but, there may be labs locally that can test the material, and maybe able to accommodate the type of corrosion.

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[Destruct2021]

Thanks. We've been reaching out to universities but they don't move fast. So we figured we'd go to commercial users that may have the systems. There is a news report being created around this artifact so it'd be good PR for a company.

 

[dik]

Good luck... I think you are on the right path... can the news article indicate that you are having difficulty in finding a lab? see what comes out of the woodwork. XRF? X-Ray Flourescence? for those not familiar with the terms...

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[jotunn]

I'm a little confused by the question. There are quite a few labs that'll do SEM work... SEM/EDX perhaps more appropriate to your case... Element and Intertek are a couple of larger (multiple locations) labs that could likely support this type of work.

Is that what you're looking for...just a lab recommendation? Or is there more to it?

 

Need more information. Surface contamination that cannot be safely removed is usually a showstopper for SEM.

PMI/XRF is almost useless (like it is for almost all failure analysis).

SEM microscopes often have an integral EDS module, which is basically XRF that can look at very small areas. And as jotunn said, SEMs are not that hard to find, and I guarantee there will be at least several in the Boston area.



"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but they are not entitled to their own facts."

 

[mrfailure]

For the Boston area, you can try Acuren (previously MMR) in West Boyleston.

 

[Destruct2021]

Thanks.

We have a small fragment that can be used for destructive testing. What we're looking for is an organization that wants to partner to assess the material. There is great news coverage. This is a recent piece from Boston.

https://www.nbcboston.com/the-ten/the-sinking-of-the-whydah/2471564/

 

[mrfailure]

You also might want to consider Thielsch in Cranston RI.

 

[IRstuff]

SEMs are really only able to get to the surface anyway, since electron penetration is pretty shallow, particularly for metals. I doubt that you'll see much difference in results.

You're better off with a sample that can be destructively tested

TTFN (ta ta for now)
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[Destruct2021]

Thanks, I contacted ELement and Intertek.

 

[mrfailure]

All you need to do using EDS is to mount a cross-section that includes the interior and use that for semi-quantitative analysis. Pretty routine.

 

For the Boston area, you can try Acuren (previously MMR) in West Boyleston.

Acuren bought another company, what a surprise!

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but they are not entitled to their own facts."