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

The TOC (Total Organic Carbon) measurement can evaluate the amount of organic matter contained in a sample. TOC measurement values are widely adopted as indicators for monitoring and managing water quality pollution in rivers and industrial water. This time, we will introduce an analysis case of seawater using the NPOC method (Non-Purgeable Organic Carbon). It can measure TOC with good reproducibility and is applicable to a wide range of fields, including solutions containing salt, plating solutions, and abrasives.

TDS is a method for real-time detection of desorbed gases while heating the sample in high vacuum or maintaining a constant temperature. An example is shown where a SiN film on a Si substrate was held at 350°C to investigate the amount of H2 desorption. In simple heating, a desorption peak was observed around 500°C, but during the temperature hold at 350°C, the detection intensity of H2 decreased, and a desorption peak was observed upon re-heating.

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.

TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) is a method that involves irradiating a thin sample with electrons, imaging the electrons that have passed through or scattered from the sample, and observing it at high magnification. At MST, we are offering "Basics of TEM," which includes fundamental knowledge such as the characteristics of TEM and sample preparation methods, and "Applications and Examples of TEM," which features representative analysis cases and examples of combined analysis with other methods! This material is presented in an easy-to-understand manner using photographs and diagrams. [Contents (partial)] <Basics of TEM> 　■What can be understood with TEM and STEM ■Characteristics of TEM and STEM 　■Sample preparation methods ■Factors affecting contrast 　■Differentiation between TEM and STEM ■Ultra-high resolution HAADF observation <Applications and Examples of TEM> 　■Analysis examples 　　・TEM analysis under controlled atmosphere and cooling 　　・Evaluation of contact electrodes in SiC power MOSFETs 　　・Structural evaluation of fine transistors *If you would like a booklet, please check the box for "Request for catalog" in the "Contact Us" section to apply. (The downloadable PDF material consists of the first few pages.)

Even when limited to organic materials, the combinations of possible compound structures are vast, and many new materials that exceed conventional properties remain in an unknown state. The exploration of new materials with effective properties from such a vast array of combinations is well-suited to approaches using machine learning. This document introduces examples of utilizing informatics from the setting of challenges to their achievement. By customizing compound datasets and the desired properties to fit the customer's challenges, it is possible to conduct compound exploration using informatics with a similar approach.

MST has launched a service to support the branding of food products through the analysis of functional components contained in food. - We want to enhance the value of our food brand, not just make it delicious. - It is said to be healthy, but we are not sure what contributes to its effectiveness. - We know that other varieties contain functional components, but we have not been able to investigate our own cultivated products. In response to these customer challenges, we provide comprehensive support using instrumental analysis, from the investigation of functional components and various analyses for commercialization to the application for functional labeling and product development.

Carbon nanotubes are lightweight nanomaterials with high strength and flexibility, and their excellent properties are expected to lead to applications in various fields. On the other hand, changes in physical properties associated with shape changes are also known, and evaluations of deformation and strain in response to external forces are required. This document introduces a case study of bending deformation simulations of single-walled carbon nanotubes using molecular dynamics calculations. By conducting simulations, it is possible to observe shape changes at the atomic level, which are difficult to evaluate from actual measurements, and to calculate strain energy.

Optical fibers have a structure that consists of a core with a high refractive index surrounded by a cladding layer with a low refractive index. Due to the difference in refractive indices, light is totally internally reflected at the boundary and transmitted. Therefore, it is important to analyze the selection of materials, the presence of impurities, adhesion, coating conditions, and contaminants. Optical fibers can be broadly classified into two types: plastic and quartz. This document presents a case study in which the materials of the core and cladding were identified by analyzing the cross-section of plastic optical fibers using TOF-SIMS. Measurement method: TOF-SIMS Product field: Optical fibers, electronic components Analysis purpose: Qualitative evaluation, organic matter evaluation, composition distribution evaluation "For more details, please download the document or contact us."

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.

This is a thermal analysis method for measuring thermal properties (glass transition, softening temperature, melting temperature, expansion tendency) at localized areas of the sample surface. A probe in contact with the sample surface is heated, causing the temperature of the sample surface to change. In the diagram, 1. the sample expansion begins during heating, 2. the deflection changes until the transition temperature is reached, and 3. the probe's intrusion into the altered sample after the transition temperature is indicated. It is also possible to monitor the deflection during temperature changes and obtain mapping data of the transition temperature for each measurement point.

We provide suitable analysis menus for essential components of EVs, including onboard batteries and devices.

We have launched a new service using Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS) starting from May 15 (Monday). - Simultaneous analysis of over 70 elements, from major components to trace components at the ppb level, is possible. - Detection of C, N, and O at the ppm level, which was previously difficult. - Depth direction analysis is possible from nm to several tens of µm.

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.

Fluoropolymer materials are chemically stable and possess various properties, making them widely used in industrial machinery, semiconductors, and electronics. LDI-MS (Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry) is an analytical method that can ionize fluoropolymers with molecular weights of around several thousand while maintaining their molecular structure, allowing for the determination of the repeating units and molecular weights of fluoropolymers, as well as the estimation of end group compositions and structures. This document presents a case study on the structural analysis of perfluoropolyether (PFPE), which is used as a base oil in lubricants and heat transfer fluids. Measurement method: MALDI-MS Product field: Polymer materials Analysis purpose: Composition evaluation and identification, chemical bonding state evaluation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

In recent years, environmental pollution and human exposure caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have garnered attention. Conducting blood tests is important to understand the exposure situation of PFAS. 【Test Items】 1. Simple quantitative test for PFOS and PFOA 2. Precise quantitative test for specific PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS) and PFNA 3. Customized testing (testing for PFAS other than PFOS and PFOA) *Consultation required ◇Test Specifications Sample: Blood (whole blood, serum, plasma) can be tested even if hemolyzed. Required sample volume: 1 mL Quantification limit: 0.5 ng/mL *Upon request, analysis of PFAS other than PFOS and PFOA, testing with small sample volumes, and testing of samples other than blood are also possible. Please contact us for details. <Notes> - This testing service is intended for research purposes. Please be careful not to use it for clinical diagnosis or treatment of humans or animals. - Inquiries from individuals are not accepted, so please understand in advance.

The probe tip made of SiO2 is coated with Pd, and the probe itself acts as a resistive element. Therefore, when current flows through the probe tip, a temperature rise occurs, and when it comes into contact with the sample surface, the sample absorbs the heat from the probe. To maintain a constant probe temperature, the amount of electricity supplied to the probe is adjusted, and by plotting the changes in the supplied electricity at each measurement point, the thermal conductivity of the measurement locations (for each material) is visualized as a distribution.

Environmental Testing Evaluates the resistance of electronic components and devices when subjected to environmental stress. Reliability Evaluation Testing Assesses items related to the reliability and safety of the product.

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.

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.

We offer the evaluation of the chemical state of RuO2 catalysts using in-situ XAFS (C0456). Under controlled conditions with gas atmospheres and temperatures tailored to the sample environment, it is possible to assess the chemical bonding state and local atomic structure of the sample. Therefore, it is suitable for cases where state evaluation is required in special environments, such as catalysts. In a case where RuO2 powder was heated from room temperature to 400°C under a reducing atmosphere using in-situ XAFS, it was confirmed from the shape of the spectrum that RuO2 is reduced to Ru between 100°C and 200°C. [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ [XAFS] X-ray Absorption Fine Structure *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

We offer particle size analysis of Au nanoparticles using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) method. Metal nanoparticles are known to exhibit unique properties not found in bulk metals. Due to their high catalytic activity and optical properties such as surface plasmon resonance, they are used in applications like fuel cell electrode catalysts and biosensors. To control these properties, it is necessary to understand their structure and composition. By using TEM and SAXS complementarily, it is possible to conduct reliable particle size analysis. [Measurement and Processing Methods] ■ [(S)TEM] Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ■ [SAXS] Small-Angle X-ray Scattering *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 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.

The measurement of bacterial counts conducted in food bacterial testing is calculated by culturing and counting the number of colonies. However, this method requires time for culturing and cannot evaluate difficult-to-culture bacteria. On the other hand, the real-time PCR method allows for the direct extraction of DNA from samples without culturing, enabling the investigation of the quantity of the target bacteria (DNA copy number). This document presents a case study comparing the bacterial counts obtained through culturing the easily cultured Escherichia coli and the copy numbers measured using the real-time PCR method.