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

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.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

Soft X-ray emission spectroscopy (SXES) using synchrotron radiation is widely used as a method to evaluate the electronic states of materials, as it allows for the direct acquisition of the partial density of states (pDOS) near the Fermi level for each element constituting the material. Furthermore, the characteristics of this method include: 1. Information from the bulk can be obtained. 2. It can be evaluated without being affected by charging effects, even for insulators. 3. The detection limit is low (<1 atomic%). These features make it particularly effective for evaluating materials containing light elements (such as B, C, N, O). In this document, we will introduce the SXES spectrum of a GaN substrate as a measurement example.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

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.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

The surface of the hair cuticle is covered with a lipid called 18-MEA (18-methyl eicosanoic acid). 18-MEA is said to be the source of hair shine and smoothness, and when it decreases due to UV rays or hair coloring, the cuticle becomes more susceptible to damage. In this case, we will present the results of evaluating the differences in 18-MEA on the surfaces of healthy hair (hair near the root that has not been treated with hair color) and damaged hair (hair that has been treated with hair color) using TOF-SIMS.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

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.

• Contract measurement

IGZO thin films, which are transparent oxide semiconductors, are being researched and developed as TFT materials for displays. IGZO is a material whose properties change based on the composition of the thin film and the amount of impurities within it, making it important to obtain information about the composition and impurities. This time, we will introduce a case where the main components and the amounts of metallic impurity elements in IGZO powder, the raw material for the thin film, were evaluated with high precision using ICP-MS. Analysis is possible not only for powders but also for bulk and thin films.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

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.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol and a substance that has garnered attention as a natural antioxidant. Resveratrol, which is abundant in grape skins, is also present in red wine made from whole grape skins. This document presents an analytical case in which the amount of resveratrol in three types of commercially available red wine was measured and compared using the LC/MS/MS method.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

The separator, which is a key component material of batteries, influences the characteristics and safety of the battery due to its porosity, shape, and other factors. Currently, mainstream polymer materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or their composite materials have low softening points, with PE being around 125°C and PP around 155°C. We will introduce a case where the structure of a PP separator with a low softening point was observed, and cooling was performed during cross-section processing to suppress degradation for evaluation.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

The electrolyte of lithium-ion secondary batteries can be qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using GC/MS. In the example below, ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) were identified as organic solvents, and vinylene carbonate (VC) was identified as an additive. It is also possible to determine the composition ratio of the solvents and the content of the additives. Additionally, other additives such as fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and ethylene sulfite (ES) can also be evaluated.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

The characteristics and reliability of lithium-ion secondary batteries are greatly influenced by materials, among which the impact of the electrolyte is said to be significant. Commercial products in various shapes, such as cylindrical and laminated types, can have their electrolytes extracted using appropriate methods, allowing for the identification of organic solvents and additives. The following case involves extracts from prismatic batteries, confirming the use of ethylene carbonate (EC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), and diethyl carbonate (DEC) as organic solvents, and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) as an additive.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

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.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

- 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.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

In HAXPES, hard X-rays (Ga radiation) are used for excitation, which results in different positions of the Auger peaks compared to the Al and Mg radiation typically used in standard XPS measurements. Therefore, even in samples where the photoelectron peaks and Auger peaks overlap in Al and Mg measurements, this overlap can be avoided in Ga measurements, allowing for a detailed evaluation of the bonding states. This document presents the spectra of Kovar (an alloy of Fe, Ni, and Co) and GaN measured using Ga radiation (equipped with HAXPES) and Al and Mg radiation (equipped with XPS).

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

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.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

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.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

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.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

The Corona Charged Aerosol Detector (CAD) shows almost identical area values for different components if they are at the same concentration under the same analytical conditions. In gradient separation, the organic solvent composition when each component reaches the detector differs, leading to changes in sensitivity; however, this can be corrected using a reverse gradient system. Semi-quantification can be performed using calibration curves created from different components, allowing for the estimation of the quantity of components without standard samples.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

The Corona Charged Aerosol Detector (CAD) detects components after they have been separated by HPLC and nebulized, followed by solvent removal. Therefore, volatile substances cannot be detected, but everything else is subject to detection. In CAD, particles are given a charge, and by measuring the amount of that charge, an area value corresponding to the amount of the component is obtained. In the case of a UV detector, the area value can vary significantly depending on the component, even at the same concentration, but in CAD, the difference in area values is about 10%. 1. Non-volatile and semi-volatile substances can be detected even if they do not have UV absorption. 2. Consistent responsiveness is obtained depending on the weight of the substance, allowing for semi-quantitative analysis even without standard samples. 3. High sensitivity detection is possible regardless of chemical structure (detection limits are around several hundred pg to several ng). 4. Gradient analysis is possible.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

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.

• Contract measurement
• Contract Analysis

Analysis targets (Information such as composition and crystal structure is required for calculations) ? The main analysis targets are systems with periodicity, such as crystals. ? Calculations for systems with amorphous structures, surfaces, and interfaces are also possible. Obtained physical property information ? Crystal structure parameters (lattice constants, atomic arrangements, etc.) ? Electronic structure and spin states (charge distribution, band structure, Fermi surface, magnetic moments, etc.) ? Chemical bonding states such as covalent bonds and ionic bonds ? Stable structures and defect formation energies when lattice defects such as atomic substitutions and vacancies are present ? Formation energies and atomic arrangements of surfaces and interfaces ? Information related to chemical reactions, such as activation energies and structures of intermediates ? Electronic response characteristics such as dielectric functions, electrical resistivity, and Seebeck coefficients ? Thermodynamic quantities of solids, such as specific heat ? Various spectroscopic spectra (XPS, XAFS, etc.)

• Contract measurement
• Contract Analysis

It achieves high positional accuracy and wide-area cross-section production, making it usable as a new large-capacity analysis application. Even small structures within a large area can be targeted for processing, enabling wide-area structural analysis.

• Contract Analysis

Among the various forms of medication, tablets are widely used, but not much is known about the state of each component within them. To gain insights into the distribution of active ingredients within tablets, we conducted TOF-SIMS analysis on the cross-section of commercially available cold medicine tablets. In the outer layer of the tablet, SiO2, presumed to be derived from lubricant components, was detected almost uniformly, while inside, the active ingredients acetaminophen, anhydrous caffeine, dl-methyl ephedrine, and noscapine were found to be dispersed in different areas.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

The gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC-TOF MS) allows for the acquisition of precise mass information by using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer to detect components separated by GC. Compared to the integer mass information obtained from a typical quadrupole mass spectrometer, the accuracy of qualitative analysis is improved. Additionally, it is equipped with various ionization methods; the hard ionization method, EI, provides partial structural information, while the soft ionization method, FI, yields molecular weight information. By combining different ionization methods, the range of analytes that can be qualitatively analyzed is expanded. Furthermore, it is also possible to directly introduce samples into the ionization chamber, allowing for the evaluation of samples that are difficult to introduce via GC, such as thermally unstable substances and non-volatile compounds.

• Contract measurement
• Contract Analysis

EI method: It is capable of detecting both inorganic and organic compounds, making it suitable for initial qualitative analysis. PI method: It allows detection while maintaining the molecular structure through soft ionization.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

In molecular dynamics simulations, the motion of particles (atoms and molecules) is simulated by applying Newton's equations of motion to individual particles, and the physical properties of the system are calculated based on statistical thermodynamics, along with evaluating the response and dynamics to external fields such as temperature and pressure. The results obtained are effective for predicting the structure and properties of materials and contribute to solving problems in research and development involving materials engineering and molecular biology.

• Contract measurement

? High-speed sample processing is possible with pico-second pulse lasers. ? Light-transmitting samples such as glass can also be processed.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

- Possible to identify high resistance abnormal areas - The current flowing through the wiring is weak (pA) - Measurement is possible even with a surface protective film present - Measurement is possible even with multilayered wiring - Measurement is possible under conditions almost identical to SEM observation

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

There are mainly three types of dyes, which are used according to the observation target. - Osmium tetroxide (OsO4) It selectively reacts with the unsaturated polymer material's ?CH=CH- (double bond). - Ruthenium tetroxide (RuO4) It cross-links with the amorphous parts of saturated polymer materials such as polyolefins. - Phosphotungstic acid (H3[P(W3O10)4]·xH2O, abbreviated as PTA) It reacts with polyamides and other materials containing the -CONH functional group.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

The IP method utilizes the sputtering phenomenon, where sample atoms are ejected from the sample surface when an ion beam with aligned energy and direction is irradiated onto the sample. It is also referred to as the CP method (Cross-section Polish). The ion species used is typically a noble gas (Ar in MST) that does not pose concerns for chemical reactions with the sample. In the AES analysis of the processed surface, the components of the shielding plate (Ni, P) were below the detection limit. ■Features - Wide-area cross-section processing is possible (approximately 500μm to 1mm) - No impact from mechanical polishing damage - Minimal surface contamination - Non-exposure to the atmosphere, cooling processing is possible

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

In secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), due to phenomena such as surface roughness, the knock-on effect where atoms present on the surface are pushed inward by ion irradiation, and crater bottom roughness, it may not be possible to obtain sharp elemental distributions. To address this issue, the SSDP method (Back-Side SIMS) involves performing SIMS analysis from the substrate side (the back side) after thinning the sample. This technique allows for a more accurate evaluation of elemental distribution without being affected by the sample shape or measurement conditions.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

TG-DTA-MS continuously evaluates not only TG and DTA but also the volatile components (MS). - TG allows for the detection of weight changes on the order of percentage. - DTA provides insights into reactions such as pyrolysis, melting, sublimation, oxidation, combustion, and phase transitions. - MS enables the structural estimation of volatile components and decomposition products.

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

Fitting is performed using various computational models on the force curve, which is an AFM measurement technique, to obtain elastic and viscoelastic data. ? Data can be measured in micro-regions that are consistent with DMA testing machines and nanoindenters. ? Applicable to materials with various hardness ranging from 10 kPa to 100 GPa. ? Fitting is possible using elastic models (DMT, Hertz, JKR) and viscoelastic models. ? Elastic modulus and viscoelastic modulus mapping can be performed using the above models. ? Frequency dependence (0.1 to 20 kHz) can be evaluated at each analysis point. ? Measurements can be conducted with temperature changes (room temperature to 250°C).

• Contract Analysis
• Contract measurement

O-PTIR has the following features: - It allows for spectral and image measurements in small areas due to its spatial resolution (maximum spatial resolution: less than 1μm). - No need for thin sectioning (effective for samples that are difficult to thin section, such as foreign materials). - Measurements can generally be performed non-destructively. - Similar analyses can be performed using the FT-IR library.

• Contract measurement
• Contract Analysis

This method allows for simultaneous measurement of the sample's surface roughness and mechanical property distribution, as well as infrared absorption images (functional group distribution) at selected absorption bands, by conducting measurements in conjunction with the AFM system. AFM-IR has the following features: - It enables evaluation with very high spatial resolution (on the nanoscale), allowing for spectral and imaging measurements in small areas. - Similar analyses can be performed by using the FT-IR library.

• Contract measurement
• Contract Analysis

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.

• Contract measurement
• Contract Analysis

- MM (Machine Model) test: A test that simulates damage caused by the discharge of static electricity accumulated in metals and other materials. - HBM (Human Body Model) test: A test that simulates damage caused by the discharge of static electricity accumulated in the human body. - CDM (Charged Device Model) test: A test that simulates damage caused by the discharge of static electricity occurring when a charged conductor comes into contact with terminals of different potentials. - Latch-up test*: Evaluates the resistance to the phenomenon of latch-up, where excessive current continues to flow in devices with a parasitic thyristor structure. *Corresponds to pulse current injection method and power supply overvoltage method.

• Contract measurement

By applying shock or vibration to the sample and detecting the sound generated when tiny foreign objects within the hollow structure collide with the walls, it is possible to prevent issues such as shorts before they occur.

• Contract measurement

- Temperature gradient control of up to 15°C/min based on sample temperature is possible. - Complies with standard tests JESD22-A104E and IEC60749-25. - Accurate standard testing of sample temperature lamp plate at 15°C/min or below (-40 to 125°C) is possible.

• Contract measurement

Bake, perform moisture absorption pre-treatment to reproduce storage conditions, and after reflow, check for the occurrence of delamination or cracks.

• Contract measurement

It is compatible with both leaded and lead-free solder.

• Contract measurement

We evaluate and determine the sealing performance of sealed conditions for hollow structure components and the like.

• Contract measurement

1. Temperature and Humidity Cycle Test By repeatedly applying temperature differences between high and low temperatures, the resistance to temperature changes and humidity is evaluated in a short time. 2. Condensation Test Humidity is controlled during high-temperature exposure to evaluate the effects of condensation that occurs due to repeated high-temperature and high-humidity environments.

• Contract measurement

We evaluate the impact of shocks that electronic components, electronic devices, and other products experience during use or when dropped, as well as their durability.

• Contract measurement

We evaluate the effects of vibrations and durability on electronic components, electronic devices, and other products during use or transportation.

• Contract measurement