Material analysis of a particle in a medical end product

Theme

Characterization of impurities:
Material analysis of a particle in a medical end product

Problem

particles of unknown origin

Strategy

Step-by-step characterization of the particle with regard to Textured and Composition

Step 1:

Light microscopic examination and insulation of the particle

• Particle has a fibrous structure and is semi-transparent

Step 2:

First characterization of the particle using REM-EDX

• It is a matter of Abrasion from a plastic component
• The Zcomposition consists of the elements carbon and small amounts of oxygen

Step 3:

material determination mittels FTIR spectroscopy and comparison with literature spectra

• The particle consists of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and shows evidence of thermal aging

Intermediate result

In collaboration with the customer, the results are interpreted and a hypothesis is formulated

Step 4:

Comparative Material Analysis a plastic plain bearing with the particle

• The materials are spectroscopically identical

final report

The particle of unknown composition and origin comes from a polyethylene plain bearings

follow-up examination

damage analysis of the plain bearing