We have developed a wide range of specialist dust characterisation techniques, in conjunction with academic partners at a number of UK Universities. These methods range from relatively basic ‘screening-type’ analyses to complex laboratory-based processes using state of the art equipment and expert personnel.

Dust characterisation involves determining some recognisable feature (or features) of a dust sample that makes it identifiable from another sample. How detailed the analysis is depends on the requirements of the investigation.

Sometimes, dust characterisation can be expensive because of the cost of the laboratory equipment and expert services involved. So our expertise and specialist knowledge is vital in determining which methods are appropriate for your needs.

 

Examples of dust characterisation methods we routinely use are:

 

• Visual assessment  
• Optical microscopy using reflected light (RL), plane-polarising ligh (PPL) and cross-polarising light (XPL), with digital photo-microscopy
• Solubility testing (with a range of solvents)
• Gravimetric analyses (62 ± 0.00002 g)

• Loss on ignition testing (to 1150°C)

• Particle size distribution (grading)

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDX)

• X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)

• Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)