Observation of the microstructure

Observing the microstructure allows for the analysis of a material's internal structures at various scales, from micrometers to nanometers. This analysis provides essential information on the morphology, texture, phase distribution, porosity, and defects present in a sample.
It is indispensable for understanding the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of a material and for controlling the quality of manufacturing processes.

Microstructural analysis is performed on various types of materials: metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, films, or powders . Depending on the objectives, the analysis may include surface observation, polished sectioning, or fracture analysis.

Observation methods used

Observing the microstructure combines several complementary techniques, each offering a specific level of resolution and information:

• Optical microscopy : allows initial observation of grains, inclusions and interfaces on polished or chemically etched sections.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) : provides a high-resolution three-dimensional image and allows for detailed analysis of surfaces, porosities, cracks, and particles.
• Polarized light observation : used to distinguish different crystalline phases or orient anisotropic structures in polymers and composites.

These methods can be combined with complementary analyses such as EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) microanalysis to determine the local chemical composition of the observed areas.

To learn more, also check out:

• scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface observation and mapping,
• Particle size analysis to measure the size and distribution of particles,
• or the measurement of grain size to characterize the crystalline structure of a material.

Industrial applications

Microstructural observation is used in many sectors:

• Materials and polymers : study of internal structure, control of charge dispersion or quality of interfaces in composites.
• Metallurgy : analysis of grains, precipitates and secondary phases to evaluate strength, hardness and fatigue resistance.
• Packaging and technical plastics : detection of internal defects, bubbles, cracks or delaminations in films and molded parts.
• Ceramics and glass : observation of microcracks and inclusions to understand the causes of fragility.
• Quality control and failure expertise : identification of original defects (process, raw material, aging).

These observations make it possible to establish a link between the microstructure and the macroscopic properties of the material (mechanical resistance, elasticity, conductivity, permeability, etc.).

Analytical interest and complementarity

Microstructure analysis is often combined with other techniques to obtain a comprehensive view of the material's behavior:

• Hardness test to link microstructure to mechanical resistance;
• DSC thermal analysis to detect phase transitions;
• FTIR infrared spectroscopy to identify the chemical bonds of polymers;
• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to monitor the thermal stability of materials;
• Accelerated aging test to observe microstructural evolution over time.

Combining these approaches allows for a complete and predictive characterization of the behavior of materials, from their internal structure to their performance in use.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC , specializing in optical and electron microscopy and surface analysis .
Our experts define the method best suited to your material and your specific problem: quality control, failure analysis, product characterization, or R&D study.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can centralize your requests, track your samples, and access your reports online.
Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers in the materials, polymers, and packaging sectors microstructural characterization and advanced analysis projects .

For any specific request or quote, contact our scientific team today.