Materials Analysis, Testing, and Characterization

Coatings Characterization

We have an array of equipment to characterize coatings and free standing films. Our capabilities include characterization of mechanical properties (Taber, hardness), wetting behavior, optical transmission (UV to mid-IR), electrical conductivity, thickness, functional groups (using IR spectroscopy), and microstructure.

Our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment enable us to satisfy all of your testing needs with excellent precision at a competitive price and in a timely manner (view & download our NDA).

Characterization Services

A full list of our coatings characterization services can be found in the table below.

Analysis / Test

Options

Turn Around Time

Optical Microscopy• Bright field (Mag.: 50x, 200x, 500x, & 1000x)
• Additional images using light polarizer
• Interference contrast image
• Dark field images
• 2 - 3 business days
• 2 - 3 business days
• 2 - 3 business days
• 2 - 3 business days
Infrared Spectroscopy• IR spectra (ATR)
• Transmission: Range (Wavenumber: 500 - 4000 cm-1)
• IR spectra functional group analysis
• 1 - 2 business days
• 1 - 2 business days
• 4 - 5 business days
UV-Vis Spectroscopy (Range: 190 - 1100 nm)• Coating provided on a UV-Vis transparent substrate
• Liquid coating only
• 1 - 2 business days
• 3 - 4 business days
Contact Angle (water or oil)• Static angle
• Advancing angle
• Receding angle
• Slide angle
• Specialty liquids
• 2 - 3 business days
• 2 - 3 business days
• 2 - 3 business days
• 2 - 3 business days
• 2 - 3 business days
Sheet Resistance (Four Probe)• Without sample preparation
• With sample preparation
• 2 - 3 business days
• Varies (contact us)
Abrasion Testing (Taber Test)• Weight loss
• Weight loss + ΔHaze
• 2 - 3 business days
• Varies (contact us)
Coating Thickness• Metal substrate
• Polymer substrate (using optical microscope)
• 1 - 2 business days
• 2 - 3 business days
Haze Testing• Haze only
• Integrated transmission
• 2 - 3 business days
• 2 - 3 business days
Adhesion - Pull-off Dolly Test (Wet/Dry)• N/A• 3 - 4 business days
Adhesion - Tape Test (Wet/Dry)• N/A• 2 - 3 business days
Hardness Testing (Persoz or Koenig Hardness)• N/A• 2 - 3 business days
Scrap Adhesion and Mar Testing• N/A• 2 - 3 business days
Impact Testing (up to 18 N·m)• N/A• 2 - 3 business days
Accelerated Weathering Testing
(Spray with Solar Eye Irradiance Control)
• N/A• Varies (contact us)