一般財団法人材料科学技術振興財団　MST List of Products and Services

TDS is a method that heats samples in a vacuum environment and monitors the gases that are released. When measuring organic substances, it can be difficult to obtain accurate measurements due to contamination of the equipment from large amounts of gas release. However, by adjusting the sample amount and analysis conditions in advance to control the amount of gas released, analysis becomes possible. Below are the results of TDS analysis conducted on organic films. We were able to capture the phenomenon where surface-adsorbed water is released at low temperatures, and the intensity of gas release increases with rising temperature.

One method for qualitative analysis of gases generated during sample heating is the pyrolysis GC/MS method, but the EGA*-MS method is effective for investigating the temperature at which each component detected here is generated. This method involves directly introducing the gases generated from the sample during temperature ramping into the mass spectrometer without passing through the GC column. This case presents an example of measuring the temperature profile of gases generated during the heating of polyvinyl acetate. * EGA: Evolved Gas Analysis

Titanium tetraalkoxide is an essential reagent for the Katsuki-Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation and is affected by oxidation in the atmosphere. In this case, we present an investigation using TOF-SIMS on how titanium tetraalkoxide (titanium tetra-isopropoxide) changes under controlled atmosphere and after exposure to air. In MST, the evaluation of the complex can be performed without the influence of atmospheric oxidation due to atmosphere control. Measurement method: TOF-SIMS Product fields: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Daily necessities Analysis purpose: Deterioration investigation, Reliability assessment For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

When conducting elemental analysis, it is possible to establish an efficient evaluation plan by first using XRF analysis to non-destructively examine the elements contained in the target before moving on to detailed analysis. In this case, we present data from XRF analysis conducted on blades for metal cutting. By performing surface analysis over a wide range on the order of millimeters, we roughly examined the distribution of metallic elements in the material and estimated the metal composition by calculating the elemental composition from the XRF point analysis results of characteristic areas. Measurement method: XRF Product field: Manufacturing equipment, parts, daily necessities Analysis purpose: Composition evaluation, identification, composition distribution evaluation, failure analysis, defect analysis For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

Aluminum foil is produced by rolling two sheets together, where the outer side in contact with the rollers has a glossy surface, while the inner side, where the aluminum sheets touch each other, has a matte surface. We compared the components present on the extreme surfaces of each side. Common organic secondary pollutants such as PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), BHT (antioxidant), DOP (plasticizer), amines (m/z 182, 242), amides (m/z 256, 284), and carboxylic acids (m/z 255, 283) were not observed. There was a slight tendency for Fe and organic materials (such as hydrocarbons) to be stronger on the glossy side, while substances like SO4 showed a slightly stronger tendency on the matte side.

Organic fluorinated compounds are used in various applications such as surfactants and metal plating agents. Among them, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a substance regulated under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which restricts its manufacture, use, and import/export. Furthermore, the addition of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to the list of regulated substances is also being considered. In addition to PFOA and PFOS, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFAS) with different carbon chain lengths can also be analyzed simultaneously.

Products containing liquid in smartphone cases are being sold, but there have been incidents of skin injuries such as chemical burns due to leaks of this liquid, as well as cases of people experiencing health issues due to unpleasant odors. In response, the National Consumer Affairs Center issued a warning in April 2016, and in some cases, liquids with modified ingredients have been used. Here, we conducted non-target analysis using GC/MS on the liquid inside cases that were sold before the warning was issued to investigate what components are present.

Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPnEO) is used in industrial cleaning agents, but in January 2016, a restriction on the use of NPnEO in textile products was added to the European REACH regulation (Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals). From February 3, 2021, the sale of specific textile products containing NPnEO (at 0.01 weight% or more) will be prohibited. This document presents the measurement results of NPnEO in various textile products.

Fluorescent dyes are used in commercial clothing, detergents, paints, etc., due to their effect of increasing apparent whiteness by absorbing ultraviolet light and emitting visible light (fluorescence). In this case study, we attempted to qualitatively analyze the fluorescent whitening agents contained in laundry detergents by connecting a fluorescence detector (FL) and a mass spectrometer (MS) to the liquid chromatography (LC). As a result, we were able to identify peaks that emit fluorescence from the numerous peaks detected by MS, and further estimation of the components was possible through the analysis of the MS spectra. By connecting FL and MS, it is possible to determine the presence of fluorescent components and estimate the components in a single measurement.

GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography) is one of the separation modes of HPLC and is a method for evaluating the molecular weight of polymer compounds. It can determine several average molecular weights (Mn), weight average molecular weight (Mw), and polydispersity (Mw/Mn) in a single analysis, and it is also possible to compare the distribution profiles. It is also referred to as SEC (Size Exclusion Chromatography).

Carbon materials, widely used in industrial components and medical devices, have different properties depending on their structure and crystallinity, making it important to evaluate their state. This document presents evaluation examples using high-sensitivity and high-spatial-resolution Raman spectroscopy. The distribution of the crystalline state of graphite, a carbon material, was visualized through mapping. It allows for a visual capture of the quantity of defects, whether high or low.

Polymers are known to exhibit diverse functions by altering their composition and structure, and they are utilized in various products. In the evaluation of polymers, assessment in real environments is crucial. This time, we will introduce a case where the shape of polymers on a substrate was visualized in the atmosphere and in aqueous solution using an environmental control atomic force microscope (AFM). Additionally, by combining data analysis, we quantified the dispersion of polymer particles.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (and ammonium lauryl sulfate, etc.) is used as an emulsifier, foaming agent, and cleaning agent in everyday products, pharmaceuticals, and industrial goods. This document presents measurement examples of everyday products (toothpaste, shampoo) that list sodium lauryl sulfate as an ingredient and those that do not list lauryl sulfates. By measuring with LC/MS/MS, it is possible to investigate the content of lauryl sulfates in the products.

The gas generation concentration device is an apparatus that traps gases generated from samples placed inside a chamber into a collection tube. By trapping in the collection tube, trace amounts of desorbed components can be concentrated and measured with high sensitivity using GC/MS. Depending on the type of sample, a suitable size of chamber can be selected, and it can accommodate heating up to 350°C. - Compatible with relatively large samples (on the order of several centimeters) - Allows for measurements with 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher sensitivity compared to the headspace method - Enables evaluation of organic contamination from both sides of a wafer - Allows for evaluation of organic contamination on photomasks (reticles) - Quantitative analysis using hexadecane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, etc., is possible.

Plastic containers, such as PET bottles used in many food products, have features like being lightweight and unbreakable; however, a challenge has been their lower gas barrier properties compared to cans and bottles. In recent years, technologies have been developed to coat PET bottles with gas barrier films to prevent quality degradation due to oxygen intrusion and carbonation loss, and these technologies are now widely used. This document presents a case study on the measurement of commercially available PET bottles, along with an evaluation of the composition and chemical bonding state of the gas barrier films.

The Karl Fischer titration method is a way to evaluate the moisture content, and the method of introducing the sample into the device varies depending on the properties of the sample. Here, we will introduce two sample introduction methods for titration.

In Raman analysis, the component distribution in the depth direction can be confirmed through measurements from the surface. It is effective for materials that easily transmit light, allowing for non-destructive evaluation without the need for cross-section processing or ion sputter etching. This document presents an example of evaluating each layer of an organic multilayer film using Raman 3D mapping. The results indicated that the organic multilayer film is composed of four layers. Additionally, by comparing with library data, the components of each layer were identified.

There are materials in polymers that change shape depending on the environment. To observe the original shape of the sample, measurements in real environmental conditions are necessary. This document presents a case study that visualizes the surface shape of soft contact lenses in saline solution. By measuring under conditions close to the actual environment, it is possible to evaluate while maintaining the original shape of the sample.

Organic acids are a general term for acidic organic compounds. In addition to components found in food, such as citric acid, which contributes to sourness, and inosine acid, which contributes to umami, they are used as raw materials and additives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial fields, with a wide range of applications. This document introduces simultaneous analysis of 12 organic acid components using HPLC and case studies of soft drink analysis. After separating each component in the column, selective analysis can be performed without being affected by interfering components by reacting with a color reagent (BTB solution) for detection. It is possible to simultaneously qualitatively and quantitatively analyze organic acids in liquid samples as well as in extracts from solids.

AFM is a method that scans the surface of a sample with a fine probe and measures nano-scale surface topography in three dimensions. It can measure a wide range of materials, not only for the evaluation of metals, semiconductors, and oxides, but also for soft materials such as hair and contact lenses. This document presents various AFM images of different materials.

Polyurethane is a resin material characterized by high resilience. Rigid polyurethane foam, a type of polyurethane product, is used as insulation material for homes. In this case study, we observed the shape of the internal voids in sheet-like rigid polyurethane foam using X-ray CT. As a result, we were able to confirm the shapes of the numerous individual voids present inside. Furthermore, we conducted a quantitative evaluation of the void ratio using the obtained data. Measurement method: X-ray CT method Product field: Daily necessities and resin materials Analysis purpose: Shape evaluation, structural evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

The penetration rate of smartphones is increasing year by year, and along with that, the protective films applied to their surfaces are diversifying in functionality. In this instance, we will introduce a case where two types of films (A and B) with fingerprint prevention and anti-reflection features were quantitatively evaluated in terms of roughness, simulating the sensation of touch through AFM analysis.

XPS is a method for evaluating the composition and bonding state of a material based on the photoelectron spectrum from inner shell levels. On the other hand, the valence band spectrum, which reflects the states of the outer shell electrons, appears near the Fermi level. This document presents a case study that verifies the reduction treatment of Sn oxides by comparing and discussing the density of states calculated through first-principles calculations with the valence band spectrum obtained by XPS. Utilizing computational simulations allows for a deeper understanding of the XPS spectrum obtained.

It is possible to conduct internal structure analysis using X-ray CT while applying stress (tensile or compressive) to the sample. In this document, we used foamed rubber as an example to perform in situ X-ray CT measurements in both the normal state and the stretched state, and analyzed the volume changes of the bubbles from the obtained CT images. By combining in situ X-ray CT measurements with image analysis techniques, it is possible to evaluate under actual usage conditions, which was previously difficult, as well as assess the impact of stress on the product.

Resins that excel in chemical resistance and electrical insulation are used as insulators, coatings, and adhesives for various electronic components. FT-IR analysis can investigate the causes of defects such as the degree of curing of the resin, making it effective for product development. As an example, we will introduce a case where the imidization rate was evaluated from the imide groups of polyimide. It is effective for process verification by comparing the imidization rate in the insulating film on the device with data on water resistance, heat resistance, and so on. Evaluation is possible in both chip and wafer states.

X-ray CT is a non-destructive analytical method that can measure the internal structure of samples, making it suitable for investigating abnormalities such as foreign substances, voids, and cracks within cosmetics, as well as for evaluating the dispersion of pearl agents and other components. In this case, foundation and lipstick were measured using X-ray CT to non-destructively assess their internal structures.

We would like to introduce a case study of 3D observation of cosmetics using X-ray CT and cryo-SEM, analyzed by the foundation. Liquid foundation applied to a plastic substrate was observed using X-ray CT and cryo-SEM, visualizing the dispersion state within the sample. X-ray CT allows for the confirmation of macroscopic morphology in a non-destructive and non-contact manner, while cryo-SEM enables the observation of even more microscopic structures. 【Features】 ■ The internal structure of the liquid foundation film can be evaluated through macroscopic morphological observation. ■ Detailed structural observation using an electron microscope allows for the confirmation of the shapes of emulsified particles and inorganic powders. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

As part of quality management, when you want to investigate components characteristic of the origin and variety, as well as components that cause defects between lots, comparisons between multiple samples are necessary. By statistically processing the data obtained from LC/MS measurements using multivariate analysis, it is possible to identify components that are characteristic of the samples among many components. In this case, we will introduce an example of investigating characteristic components among three apple juice products of different apple varieties using principal component analysis (PCA), which is one type of multivariate analysis.

Two-component epoxy resin cures by mixing the base agent and the hardener. Unlike one-component systems, it has the advantage of curing without the need for heating, making it widely used as adhesives, paints, and resins. In its qualitative analysis, the cured resin, which is insoluble in solvents, can primarily be evaluated for the base agent using thermal decomposition GC/MS. On the other hand, for the evaluation of the hardener, it may be necessary to measure it in its pre-cured state depending on the type. This document presents a case where a polymercaptan hardener was measured in its pre-cured solution state, and structural estimation was conducted using a combination of ionization methods (EI and FI methods).

To investigate the causes of defects such as poor adhesion, it is important to gain insights into the surfaces of wafers and devices. In this instance, hydrophobic areas were observed on a silicon wafer, prompting wide-area imaging using TOF-SIMS. As a result, components estimated to be silicone oil, CF-based grease, and paraffin oil were identified from the hydrophobic areas. TOF-SIMS typically has a measurement field of view up to 500μm square, but by moving the stage during measurement, it is possible to evaluate wide-area distributions. Measurement method: TOF-SIMS Product fields: Devices, Displays, Electronic Components, Manufacturing Equipment Analysis objectives: Qualitative, Imaging, Composition Distribution Evaluation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

X-ray CT analysis allows for the non-destructive comparison and investigation of the structure and dimensions of components. This document presents a measurement case of a rubber O-ring used in vacuum equipment. To investigate a long-used item that is leaking gas, X-ray CT analysis and three-dimensional image analysis were conducted, comparing it with data from a new item. As a result, it was found that the long-used item had localized areas where the thickness of the ring was reduced, suggesting that leaks were occurring from those points. Measurement method: X-ray CT Product fields: Manufacturing equipment and parts, polymer materials, daily necessities Analysis purposes: Shape evaluation, film thickness evaluation, structural evaluation, failure analysis, defect analysis, degradation investigation, reliability evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

We observed a sample mixed with three types of lactic acid bacteria using SEM, and extracted the bacteria by type using deep learning from the obtained images. Furthermore, we conducted data analysis to determine the presence ratio on the cell cycle based on the shape of the lactic acid bacteria. Measurement methods: SEM, computational science, AI, data analysis Product fields: Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, daily necessities, cosmetics, food Analysis purpose: Shape evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

Quantum chemical calculations can provide molecular insights (such as molecular structure, charge distribution, molecular orbitals, and mechanisms of chemical reactions) that serve as guidelines for the development and design of materials, as well as simulate various response spectra like UV-Vis and NMR with high accuracy. The results obtained can help overcome various challenges faced in research and development in fields such as functional materials and drug discovery. This document introduces the analysis targets, the physical property information obtained, and case studies that can be understood from quantum chemical calculations.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) is an analytical method that can obtain various information about molecular structure, intermolecular interactions, and molecular mobility, targeting various compounds including organic substances. This document presents examples of measurements conducted with a super low-temperature probe, which achieved higher sensitivity compared to a general-purpose room temperature probe.

Polymers can change shape depending on environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and solvents, and by varying the environmental conditions during evaluation, we can deepen our understanding of their physical properties. In this study, we conducted heating and cooling experiments using polycaprolactone (PCL), which is known for its biodegradability. PCL has a melting point of approximately 60°C, and we continuously observed through video how it changes from a crystalline state to an amorphous state upon heating, and how it recrystallizes upon cooling. Measurement method: AFM Product fields: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Daily Goods, Food Analysis purpose: Shape evaluation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

Pigment Red 254 (p-Cl DPP) is a type of DPP (diketopyrrolopyrrole) pigment that exhibits a vivid red color. DPP pigments are used as red pigments with excellent weather resistance, and due to their ease of mass production and low cost, they are also expected to be utilized as organic EL materials. This document presents a case study of UV-Vis spectrum simulation based on quantum chemical calculations targeting Pigment Red 254 in solution. By referring to the simulation results, the spectral shape of the measured data can be interpreted. Measurement method: Computational science and data analysis, UV-Vis Product fields: Lighting, displays, cosmetics, daily necessities Analysis purpose: Evaluation of chemical bonding states For more details, please download the document or contact us.

The combustion ion chromatography (IC) method allows for the investigation of the content of halogens (F, Cl, Br) and sulfur contained in solid materials such as plastics and resins, as well as in liquid materials like organic solvents. As shown in Figure 1, gases generated by combusting and decomposing the sample in a combustion furnace are collected in an absorbent solution. By measuring this absorbent solution using ion chromatography, it is possible to determine the content of halogens and sulfur in solid samples that are insoluble in water.

Generally, the field size and resolution of X-ray CT are in a trade-off relationship, where increasing the resolution results in a smaller field size. Therefore, X-ray CT has a imaging method called "stitching," which allows multiple CT images to be vertically connected. With the stitching imaging method, it is possible to observe a wide field size even under high-resolution conditions.

LDI (Laser Desorption Ionization) is a method that uses only the energy of ultraviolet lasers to sublime and ionize molecules. On the other hand, MALDI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) is a method that sublimates and ionizes molecules by exposing a sample mixed with a matrix to ultraviolet lasers.

Acetate cellulose, obtained through the acetylation of cellulose known as a wood component, has high biodegradability and is widely used as synthetic resin, fiber, and film. It is known that the physical properties, such as solubility, change significantly depending on the degree of acetylation (degree of substitution of acetyl groups), making the evaluation of the degree of acetylation very important for industrial applications. This document presents a case study evaluating the degree of acetylation of commercially available acetate cellulose using 13C-NMR analysis. Measurement method: NMR Product fields: Biomass, polymer materials, cosmetics, daily necessities Analysis purpose: Structural evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

The analysis of odor components is effective for evaluating the scent that characterizes a product and for identifying the causes of unpleasant odors. Many odor components exist as stereoisomers, and isomers can have completely different scents from each other. When distinguishing and analyzing stereoisomers, methods such as NMR may be used; however, this case will introduce an example using GC/MS. Chromatography allows for the clear separation and evaluation of target components from other components. Additionally, by using columns designed for isomer separation, it is possible to evaluate various stereoisomers that cannot be separated using general-purpose columns. Measurement method: GC/MS Product fields: Cosmetics, daily necessities, food, environment Analysis objectives: Composition evaluation, identification, product investigation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

Rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and carnosic acid, which are abundant in plants of the Lamiaceae family represented by rosemary, are said to have antioxidant and anti-aging effects. In particular, rosmarinic acid is known as a functional ingredient included in some functional foods because of its effectiveness in reducing temporary irritability and daytime drowsiness. This document presents a case of quantifying rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and carnosic acid in cosmetics containing rosemary leaves and rosemary extract using HPLC. Measurement method: HPLC Product field: Food and cosmetics Analysis purpose: Product investigation, composition evaluation, identification, quantification For more details, please download the document or contact us.

Rubber products contain various additives such as vulcanization accelerators, antioxidants, plasticizers, and lubricants. This document presents case studies of the analysis of additives found in commercially available rubber products. After immersing the rubber in an organic solvent, the resulting solution was analyzed using LC/MS/MS, revealing the presence of several additive components, including N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine, which is commonly used as an antioxidant. By conducting LC/MS/MS analysis, comprehensive qualitative analysis is possible.

Tensile Test It is possible to perform X-ray CT measurements while applying stress in the direction of pulling the sample. Compression Test It is possible to perform X-ray CT measurements while applying pressure in the direction of compressing the sample. Temperature Control It is possible to perform X-ray CT measurements while adjusting the temperature of the stage.

TOF-SIMS and MALDI-MS, which are representative mass spectrometry methods for solid sample surfaces, both enable qualitative analysis and imaging analysis. TOF-SIMS, which utilizes hard ionization methods, can detect inorganic and organic components with masses up to several hundred with high sensitivity. On the other hand, MALDI-MS, which employs soft ionization methods, can detect polymers in the range of thousands to tens of thousands. Additionally, the spatial resolution of the images also varies depending on the diameter of the irradiation beam.