Paper and Fibres
Paper is a very sophisticated product meeting different performance requirements. Therefore its composition is highly diverse and crucial to its properties. Its surface is conventially coated and contains various components. That is the reason why the detailled characterisation of paper remains challenging, especially on the microscopic level. We focus on new characterisation methods mostly based on electron microscopy but also on Raman spectroscopy.
Our surface-, micro- and nanoanalytical methods are used for:
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Defect Analysis, Quality Control
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Multi Layer Systems and Interfaces
- Materials Characterisation
- Filler Particle Analysis
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In situ Experiments (Wetting, Tensile Testing)
- 3D Reconstruction
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Structure Elucidation (Pulp, Fibres, Paper)
Elemental Composition and Mapping by SEM-EDX
The detailed characterisation of the elemental composition helps to improve the understanding and reliability of various components to create valuable products. Analysis possibilities range from single, small particles to specific areas of interest and large area mappings (LAM) over areas in the mm range. The images show an LAM of an embedded paper and the results of EDX mapping indicating regions where the elements Calcium (Ca), Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O) were detected.
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| Ca | C | O |
Correlative Morphology and Chemical Analysis
New instrumentation allows for the correlation of SEM and Raman microscopy. This method efficiently combines the high-resolution and morphological information (SEM) with chemical information (Raman) at the same sample position. The example below shows a cross section of coated paper (we use for posters at conferences) where the SE-images is overlayed with a spectral mapping (red = epoxy resin, blue = cellulose, green = calcium carbonate, turquoise = filler particle).
SEM-Raman analysis
Multi-layer and Defect Analysis TEM
Detailed knowledge of defects like particulate impurities, black spots, fisheyes, gas bubbles helps to improve paper and ink quality. The TEM image below reveals that the printed ink agglomerates on the surface of the used paper.
Printability tester prüfbau
Distribution of Filler Particles and Fibres: 3D Reconstructions
3D reconstructions are challenging. Nontheless they offer the most detailled insight into the distribution of different materials (filler particles, fibres, potential failures). The image below shows filler particles (grey) and fibres (green).
3D Reconstruction of paper
Interested? Please do not hesitate to contact us:
Ing. Claudia Mayrhofer | +43 (0) 316 873 8347
Dr. Armin Zankel | +43 (0) 873 8832
Need more information? Download our folder (German and English)!