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

- Phosphorescence has a longer lifespan compared to fluorescence, and it often becomes thermally deactivated due to quenching by oxygen or the motion and collisions of solvents, making it difficult to measure at room temperature in most cases. Therefore, phosphorescence measurements are generally conducted at low temperatures. The fluorescence spectrometer owned by MST can cool samples to liquid nitrogen temperatures, allowing for phosphorescence measurements. - To perform phosphorescence measurements, it is necessary to measure the emission lifetime of phosphorescence and appropriately set the opening and closing time of the shutter integrated into the device based on the results. By establishing suitable measurement conditions, it is possible to distinguish and observe phosphorescence from fluorescence. This document explains the measurement of phosphorescence emission lifetime and phosphorescence measurements.

NMR is typically performed using the resonance signals of deuterium (2H or D) nuclei in deuterated solvents for reasons such as ensuring the stability of the magnetic field. However, by using the resonance signals of proton (1H) nuclei, measurements can also be conducted with light solvents (i.e., regular solvents) (No-D measurement method). The effective measurements for the No-D method are as follows: - Measurements to evaluate interactions with light solvents (e.g., degradation studies in light solvents) - Measurements of samples that cannot use deuterated solvents (e.g., samples in the biochemical field such as proteins) - Measurements of samples containing volatile components - Measurements of samples for which no dissolvable deuterated solvents are available.

Adhesive tapes are used for a wide range of applications, including everyday household uses, as well as in medical, construction, and insulation purposes. The adhesives used for these tapes vary depending on their application, and various materials are employed. This case study introduces an example of structural analysis of the adhesives in commercially available adhesive tapes using thermal decomposition GC/MS method. Measurements of three types of tapes revealed that they each used different materials: acrylate-based, styrene/isoprene-based, and silicone-based.

We created skin tissue samples and evaluated the distribution of biogenic components in freeze-dried samples using TOF-SIMS. Since TOF-SIMS identifies components based on the mass of molecular ions, it does not require labels such as fluorescent substances, allowing for the evaluation of distribution without the influence of labeled materials. The mapping results confirmed that arginine, a natural moisturizing factor (NMF), and cholesterol, which retains moisture as an intercellular lipid, are localized in the stratum corneum. This method is also effective for assessing the permeation state during drug application.

We analyzed the surface components of three types of commercially available food wrap films (A, B, C) using TOF-SIMS. In this document, we focused on the outermost surface of the wrap films, as shown in Figure 1.

CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) is a resin material that uses carbon fibers as a reinforcing material, characterized by its lightweight and high strength and rigidity. The internal fiber structure of CFRP was observed using X-ray CT. As a result, we were able to observe clusters of carbon fibers with a diameter of approximately 7 μm, and we also conducted an analysis of the fiber orientation.

Polyimide has very high heat resistance and excellent electrical insulation and mechanical properties, making it an essential material not only for electronic components but also for a wide range of fields such as precision machinery, automobiles, and aerospace. In its reliability evaluation, research on imide bonds is important. This document presents an example of XPS measurements conducted on polyimide before and after heating. Changes in the amount of oxygen and the chemical shifts of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen confirmed that imidization progressed after heating. Additionally, by performing waveform analysis, it is also possible to determine the proportion of polyimide present.

UV-curable resins harden quickly when exposed to ultraviolet light and are widely used as coating materials and adhesives due to their ease of use. In acrylate resins, which are commonly used materials, the molecular ions of acrylate monomers are difficult to detect using the conventional ionization method of EI in GC/MS analysis, leading to insufficient structural estimation. Here, we introduce a case where, in addition to the partial structural information obtained from the conventional EI method, the use of the soft ionization method FI enabled the detection of molecular ions, allowing for the estimation of the structure of acrylate monomers.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (GFRP) are inexpensive, lightweight, and high-strength materials. Understanding their components, distribution, and internal structure is an important aspect of product design. This document presents case studies evaluating the components and structure of GF-reinforced PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) as GFRP material, as well as the degradation components of the resin after UV exposure.

Many organic materials (resins) may discolor due to aging and other factors. The causes include the formation of conjugated double bonds within the polymer, the degradation of additives contained in the resin, and the transfer of surrounding substances, among others. When the degradation of additives is the cause, the responsible substances can be analyzed by elution using methods such as LC or GC. Here, we provide an overview of the causes of resin discoloration and analysis methods, and introduce a case where the coloring substances responsible for yellowing in polyurethane were separated by LC and qualitatively identified using a combination of PDA and MS.

Resins (synthetic polymers) are polymers of monomers and have characteristic functional groups depending on their type. Due to their structure, they exhibit properties such as heat resistance, toughness, and electrical insulation, making them widely used in packaging materials, adhesives, paints, and more. Structural analysis is important for understanding the properties of resins, and common analytical methods include FT-IR and thermogravimetric GC/MS. FT-IR allows for the evaluation of functional groups, while thermogravimetric GC/MS enables the assessment of monomers and partial structures, so by combining these two methods, structural analysis of a wide variety of resins becomes possible.

Resins that excel in chemical resistance and electrical insulation are used as insulators, coatings, and adhesives for various electronic components. FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) can investigate the causes of defects such as the degree of curing of resins, making it effective for product development. As an example, we will introduce a case where the degree of curing of UV-curable resins was evaluated. It is effective for examining the UV exposure time in adhesives and assessing the curing state when delamination occurs in products.

This document presents an example of evaluating organic contamination through bonding state mapping using XPS. This bonding state mapping is obtained by acquiring XPS spectra of the element of interest at several hundred points within the plane and plotting the distribution of peak intensities corresponding to the energy positions of specific bonding states. Depending on the size of the area of interest, evaluation areas can be set to arbitrary sizes ranging from approximately 1mm to 20mm square, making it particularly suitable for assessing contamination, discoloration, and surface treatments on the order of millimeters. Similar evaluations can also be conducted for metals and silicon, in addition to carbon.

The frequency of mask usage has increased to prevent infections caused by viruses, but there is a lack of structural data that serves as a basis for their usage methods and resistance. This document presents the results of an analysis of non-woven masks before and after use using X-ray CT. The analysis revealed that the thickness of the entire mask increased after use, and it was found that sparse areas in the fibers developed within the layers of the non-woven fabric. It is expected that after use, masks may become more susceptible to the infiltration of dust and that the capture of dust fibers may become less effective.

In anticipation of future demand for antimicrobial agents due to viral infections, this document presents the results of imaging antimicrobial agents and other components in antimicrobial coatings using TOF-SIMS. The antimicrobial coating was formed by spraying an antimicrobial spray containing Ag ions as the antimicrobial component onto a substrate. The analysis revealed that the amount of the antimicrobial component, Ag, did not change even after wiping or rinsing. It was also found that other components besides the antimicrobial agents were present.

Due to the increased demand for disinfectant alcohol to prevent infections caused by viruses, it is important that the products do not contain methanol during handling. It is known that the components other than the main agent, ethanol, differ depending on the type of product. This document introduces cases where components other than ethanol were analyzed using chromatography. The analysis of four types of disinfectant alcohol products revealed that the components contained in the products varied.

This is an example of wide-area quantitative mapping using XPS. We evaluated organic residue on silicon wafers using the following procedure. To graph the amount (atomic concentration) rather than peak intensity, it is less affected by sample roughness and allows for data acquisition over a wide area. It is suitable for investigating organic and inorganic contamination, discoloration, surface treatments, etc., as it enables an overview assessment of the compositional distribution on the sample surface.

Bacteria have various growth environments depending on their species, and there are many bacteria that are difficult to isolate and culture. Therefore, by extracting and analyzing DNA, which is the blueprint of life that all bacteria possess, it becomes possible to investigate the existing bacteria without isolation or culture. Here, we will introduce examples of analysis methods for sequencing bacterial DNA to infer the existing bacteria through microbiome analysis, as well as investigating bacterial numbers using real-time PCR methods.

In situ X-ray CT measurements allow for internal structure analysis under conditions where a load (tension or compression) is applied to the sample. In this document, in situ X-ray CT measurements were conducted using an aluminum plate as the sample, both in its normal state and in an extended state. We calculated the tensile stress applied to the sample and monitored the internal structural changes under each stress condition. By combining in situ X-ray CT measurements with image analysis technology, it is possible to evaluate under actual usage conditions, which was previously difficult, and assess the impact of stress on the product.

Freon gases are utilized in various applications such as refrigerants, foaming agents, semiconductors, and cleaning agents for precision parts due to their chemically stable nature and minimal impact on human health. On the other hand, they are substances that contribute to ozone layer depletion and global warming, which is why they are regulated by law. In this case, Freon gases were analyzed using GC/MS, and the separation analysis of CF4, which has low polarity and is difficult to separate among PFCs, was conducted. By using GC/MS, it is possible to qualitatively analyze specific Freons such as CFCs, HCFCs, and alternative Freons like HFCs and PFCs.

Our organization has established a system that suppresses atmospheric exposure through atmosphere control, and further cools the samples for processing, observation, and analysis. We can produce TEM thin samples while maintaining the original structure of the specimen, allowing for observation and analysis. Even with unstable materials, we can perform thinning processing while cooling, and by maintaining a vacuum during the transfer between processing and observation devices, we enable cross-sectional TEM/SEM observation that minimizes atmospheric exposure and thermal alteration. 【Measurement and Processing Methods】 ■ [(S)TEM] Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ■ Processing under atmosphere control ■ Cryo-processing *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

We offer identification analysis of pigments using the direct MS method (C0611). Due to the insolubility of pigments in solvents, chromatographic separation is not possible, and the analytical methods are limited. However, evaluation can be performed using the direct MS method, which directly introduces the sample into the mass spectrometer. There are several techniques within the direct MS method, and it is necessary to choose the appropriate one based on the properties of the sample. In a case where pigments in toner were measured, molecular ions were detected, allowing for structural estimation. [Measurement and Processing Methods] ■ Others *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

When evaluating the internal structure of materials, it is necessary to expose the internal structure while maintaining it through cross-sectional processing techniques such as cutting and polishing. This document introduces a case where the microtome method, which has a relatively small impact from processing damage, was used to create cross-sections of hair, followed by AFM observation of the internal structure and evaluation of elastic modulus. The microtome method is a cutting processing technique widely used in the field of soft materials, such as rubber materials and biological samples, and this approach has made it possible to evaluate the mechanical properties of the internal structure of these materials. [Measurement and Processing Methods] [AFM] Atomic Force Microscopy [AFM-MA・AFM-DMA] Mechanical Property Evaluation (Elastic Modulus Measurement, Dynamic Viscoelasticity Measurement) Ultra Microtome Processing *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization offers three-dimensional structural analysis of 3D printed objects. Understanding the differences between the design drawings and the manufactured products is an important process in quality control. By conducting X-ray CT measurements, it becomes possible to compare the three-dimensional structural "discrepancies" between the printed objects and the design drawings, allowing for an evaluation of the quality. In this case study, we are evaluating molded products made from resin-based materials, but similar evaluations can also be conducted for molded products made from metal-based materials that allow X-rays to pass through. [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ X-ray CT Method *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization offers dynamic viscoelastic evaluation of PDMS using AFM. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is an effective method for investigating viscoelastic behavior, which is an important factor in the research and development of polymer materials. Additionally, by combining it with the AFM mechanism, it becomes possible to measure in-plane distribution and evaluate localized areas. This document presents a case study using AFM-DMA to map the viscoelastic modulus of PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) and conduct frequency-dependent spectroscopy evaluation. [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ [AFM] Atomic Force Microscopy *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization offers composition distribution evaluation of organic films using Raman mapping. The properties such as mechanical characteristics, thermal resistance, and durability change by mixing materials. It is important to link material properties with mixing conditions in material development, and using dispersion as an indicator is effective. This document presents a case study of mapping the distribution of PS (polystyrene) and PCL (polycaprolactone) using Raman. By comparing the characteristic Raman peaks of each material, it is possible to separate the components of the mixture. Component separation from PCL was performed through spectral analysis around the PS-specific peak at approximately 3050 cm-1. [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ [Raman] Raman Spectroscopy *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization offers evaluation of the crystallinity of carbon materials using Raman mapping. Carbon materials possess different properties depending on their structure and crystallinity, and are used in various applications such as industrial components and medical devices. Linking the characteristics of materials to their crystallinity is effective as an indicator for material development. This document presents a case study where the in-plane distribution (peak intensity) of diamond particles, a carbon material applied to the surface of components, and the crystallinity (full width at half maximum) of each diamond particle were evaluated using Raman mapping. Diamonds exhibit a sharp peak observed sensitively at 1330 cm-1, making Raman evaluation effective. [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ [Raman] Raman Spectroscopy *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization offers (S)TEM observation of polymer materials using electron staining. Since polymer materials are composed of light elements, it is difficult to obtain clear contrast in (S)TEM observations. Staining can enhance the contrast for such materials. This document introduces examples of staining and observation using a method called electron staining with ruthenium tetroxide (RuO4), osmium tetroxide (OsO4), and phosphotungstic acid (H3[P(W3O10)4]·xH2O, abbreviated as PTA). [Measurement and Processing Methods] ■ [(S)TEM] (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy ■ Others *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization offers (S)TEM observation using negative staining. Organic functional materials, such as fine particles and fibrous substances, are primarily composed of light elements like C (carbon), H (hydrogen), O (oxygen), and N (nitrogen), which do not provide sufficient contrast for morphological observation in (S)TEM. Therefore, by applying staining to these materials, we can enhance the contrast and enable observation. In this instance, we will introduce a case where negative staining was performed using phosphotungstic acid (H3[P(W3O10)4]·nH2O, abbreviated as PTA). 【Measurement Method / Processing Method】 ■ [(S)TEM] Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ■ Others *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization offers (S)TEM analysis of the fine structure of hair cross-sections. The hair cell membrane complex (CMC) serves as a pathway for chemicals during processes such as bleaching and dyeing hair. In particular, the CMC between the cuticle layers has a three-layer structure, which we have visualized. We present a case where osmium tetroxide (OsO4) was used for electron staining targeting unsaturated fatty acids in lipids, followed by TEM observation and STEM-EDX analysis. [Measurement and Processing Methods] ■ [(S)TEM] Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ■ [TEM-EDX] Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (TEM) ■ Ultramicrotome processing ■ Others *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization is capable of identifying the composition of petroleum products, evaluating molecular weight distribution, and distinguishing types of oils. Petroleum products such as oils and greases are mixtures of hydrocarbons with various compositions, and GC/MS methods are effective for their qualitative analysis. Here, we present a case study where commercially available oils with different molecular weight distributions were measured using soft ionization methods. Compared to hard ionization methods (EI), soft ionization methods (FI and FD) allow for the detection of molecular ions, making them effective for evaluating the composition of oil components. In particular, the FD method can also be applied to evaluate oils containing high molecular weight components that are difficult to volatilize. [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ [GC/MS] Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization conducts NMR chemical shift simulations of organic molecules using quantum chemical calculations. Determining the isomeric structures of organic molecules is a very important issue in fields such as natural product chemistry and drug discovery. Combining the results of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements with NMR chemical shift simulation results from quantum chemical calculations is believed to be useful for elucidating the structures and evaluating the properties of novel compounds that lack model compounds for structure-chemical shift correlation. This document presents a case study on the identification of structural isomers of biologically active quinoxaline derivatives. [Measurement Methods and Processing Methods] ■ [NMR] Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis ■ Computational Science, AI, Data Analysis ■ Others *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization offers analysis of the end group structure of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is an engineering plastic known for its excellent impact resistance and heat resistance, and it is widely used as a material in electrical, electronic, and optical devices. There are mainly two methods of manufacturing polycarbonate, and the end group structure, which affects the physical properties of the polymer, varies depending on the manufacturing method. Since the end group portion of the polymer is small compared to the main chain, the analytical methods available for its structural analysis are limited. Here, we present a case study evaluating the end group structure of polycarbonate using thermal decomposition GC/MS. [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ [GC/MS] Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization conducts observations of structural changes in ABS resin through tensile testing using in situ X-ray CT. In in situ X-ray CT measurements, it is possible to perform structural observations while applying a load (tensile or compressive) to the sample. In this case, X-ray CT measurements were conducted on a sample of ABS resin containing glass filler under tensile load, and the tensile stress applied to the sample was calculated. The three-dimensional structural changes of the resin and glass filler under each stress condition were monitored. [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ X-ray CT Method *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization conducts metal analysis in organic materials. Metal components can cause a decrease in insulation properties when they contaminate organic materials, such as in semiconductor devices. Therefore, it is important to understand the amount of metal in organic materials. In this case, we analyzed the metal content in organic materials (polyethylene products, polypropylene products, polyimide films). Organic materials can be acid-digested by irradiating them with microwaves in a sealed state (under high temperature and pressure). [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ [ICP-MS] Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization conducts calculations of acid dissociation constants (pKa) using quantum chemistry. The acid dissociation constant (pKa) is one of the indicators that quantitatively represents the strength of an acid (the ease of proton dissociation). Knowing the pKa helps in estimating the solubility of compounds in relation to pH, their state, the ease of absorption of pharmaceuticals in the body, and pH buffering effects. Using the acid dissociation energy differences obtained from quantum chemical calculations and experimental pKa values, we create calibration curves for different solvents and functional groups, and present examples of studies investigating the impact of intramolecular hydrogen bonding on pKa. [Measurement Methods and Processing Methods] ■ Computational Science, AI, Data Analysis *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization conducts evaluations of the hierarchical structure of polymer materials using X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques. It is known that the differences in higher-order structures created by amphiphilic substances affect the moisturizing and permeability properties of skin tissue, making it important to understand these structures in order to evaluate the functionality of the materials. We will introduce examples of evaluating the hierarchical structure of polymers using XRD (X-ray diffraction) for structures on the order of a few nanometers and SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering) for structures on the order of several tens of nanometers. 【Measurement and Processing Methods】 ■ [XRD] X-ray Diffraction ■ [SAXS] Small-Angle X-ray Scattering *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization is conducting the assignment of the Raman spectrum of copper phthalocyanine through quantum chemical calculations. By comparing the measured results with the simulation results from quantum chemical calculations, we can perform spectral assignment, which allows for the analysis of vibrational modes. Here, we will introduce a case study of the analysis of "copper phthalocyanine," which is also expected to be utilized in organic thin-film transistors and other applications. 【Measurement and Processing Methods】 ■ [Raman] Raman Spectroscopy ■ Computational Science, AI, Data Analysis *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization conducts product degradation investigations through weather resistance testing. The Sunshine Weather Meter can artificially reproduce sunlight, temperature, humidity, and other conditions. We conducted weather resistance testing standards for bicycle lights and examined changes over time. To quantitatively discuss the discoloration of lights that are originally black, we refer to (JIS D 0205) and present a case study evaluating color difference and glossiness. 【Measurement Methods and Processing Methods】 ■Others ■Weather Resistance Testing *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.