The characterization of particles plays a crucial role in many industries. For technical systems, products and processes, knowledge about the origin of particles and their potentially harmful effects is of key importance. The GWP determines important properties of particles and fibers, including chemical composition, size, proportion and shape, using scanning electron microscopy combined with X-ray elemental analysis (SEM-EDX). This method is particularly suitable for metallic and inorganic particles. Organic particles, if they are of a suitable size, can be analyzed using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and identified using our database.
Examination methods:
- Qualitative analysis: Depending on the question, individual particles (20 to 30) are examined in detail, identified and assigned to representative particle types, such as “low-alloy chromium steel”, “brass” or “white metal”. These types are then assigned to specific sources.
- Quantitative analysis: To get an overall overview of the particle distribution within the sample, the number, size distribution and assignment to material classes (e.g. "steel", "copper", "tin") are recorded quantitatively. The particles are evaluated in image fields and the results are presented in tabular form. The determined particle number can then be extrapolated to the entire filter.
