Inspection and Screening Techniques

With 70 years of experience in chemical analysis and applied research, Centexbel has developed a state-of-the-art chemical laboratory. When selecting the most advanced instruments or developing new testing methods, we always consider the daily needs of our industrial partners. In our ISO 17025 accredited lab, Centexbel offers a wide range of standardized tests.

The chemical lab takes great pride in its expertise in inspection techniques, testing of protective clothing, thermal analysis, elemental determination, chromatographic separation techniques, and emission testing of interior materials.

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

Clear images greatly enhance communication between clients and suppliers across continents—we can immediately see what it's about. Researchers also rely on these images to verify whether their ideas have been translated into real innovations.

SEM picture of a foam material

Microscopy

Optical Microscopy and Image Analysis

With the latest microscopes, 3D reconstructions can be created. Using the Nikon Eclipse LVPol "3D", Centexbel captures step-by-step images. These Z-stacks can be mathematically combined into a 3D image, viewable with 3D glasses.

Another new imaging technique is "stitching", where multiple frames are merged into a single overview image for analysis. Today, image analysis is a routine technique, for example, to measure the parameters of trilobal extruded fibers.

Opto-Digital Microscopy

Digitalization is leading to new instruments that are gradually replacing binocular microscopes. With the Olympus DSX 100, Centexbel produces extremely clear images with exceptional depth of field. Combined with stitching, this provides a panoramic view of macro-objects—an extended focal image. Thanks to free tilting, samples can be viewed from all angles.

SEM Electron Microscopy

To observe nanomaterials, we use a high-performance electron microscope to:

Assess the success of electrospinning
Examine the deposition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
Observe how nanofibrils reinforce polymer structures

Electron microscopy is not limited to nanomaterials. It is also ideal for:

Observing the split structure of microfibers in hook-and-loop fasteners
Imaging coated fabrics with embedded glass beads
Visualizing foam cell structures

Mapping Techniques Beyond SEM

Mapping can also be performed using other techniques:

µXRay techniques visualize the distribution of elements
IR microscopy provides mapping of chemical compound distributions
Dynamic Headspace Analysis (DHS) detects volatile and semi-volatile compounds (VOC and SVOC) in consumer goods
LC-MS and ICP-MS can also be used in screening mode

By combining techniques, we can detect the presence of REACH/SVHC substances or a wide range of flame retardants.

XRF mapping

The Bruker Tornado M4 micro-XRF system maps elements from F to U. It rapidly measures the different component of a product, providing a wealth of information.

With a range of 5 X-ray beams ranging from a fine 20 µm spot to a broader 4.5 mm spot—the system allows to optimize between spatial resolution and sensitivity for each application.
Micro-XRF rapidly measures the different components of a product, providing a wealth of information at low costs, allowing to limit expensive tests like ICP analysis to parts that tested positive.
Mapping of the presence of the different elements can be done on both the surface and cross-section of a sample, revealing the presence and intensity of tested chemical elements throughout a complex material.

Example of Mapping technique

Mapping with the Bruker Tornado M4 micro-XRF system of the chemical composition responsible for the spot on the sample.

This analysis reveals the presence of Fe, Zn, and Ti

Example of a spectrum obtained via XRF analysis

FTIR and FTIR-microscopy

FTIR is a powerful technique for analyzing material composition, particularly effective at detecting organic components.

Over the past 30 years, Centexbel has developed its own FTIR library of products commonly used in the textile and polymer industries, supplementing commercial databases.

Quick FTIR analysis can identify the main material of your product (e.g., polymer, rubber), while detailed spectral interpretation by specialists can provide extensive information, such as compound composition or the presence and absence of additives.
FTIR can also be combined with chemical extraction techniques to detect minor constituents in your material.
Additionally, Centexbel’s FTIR microscope offers a spatial resolution of 50 µm, enabling the analysis of small particles on your material’s surface.