Optical Microscopy (OM)
Rubber Consultants apply OM for imaging a wide range of materials including plastics, rubber, metal and composites.
OM is typically used as a supportive technique to other microscopy techniques.
Sample preparation for OM examinations can include cutting samples, extraction, fracturing and freeze fracturing surfaces.
Applications
- Detailed examination of specimens such as cross section of articles, corrosion, rust and contamination
- Observe surface degradation or discolouration (e.g. cracking, wear and bloom)
- Type and location of bond failure such as rubber to rubber and rubber to metal bonding
- Root cause of failure and failure mechanics for example: viewing fatigue, tear surfaces and fracture points
- Investigate macro-dispersion
- Particle size analysis
- Imaging fillers and crumb that are very often used in rubber products
