The Laboratory “Scanning electron microscopy and microanalysis” is founded in 1967 and it is the first laboratory for microanalysis in the Balkan Peninsula. It is in the structure of the “Laboratory for materials analysis & testing and calibration of measuring facilities”, which is accredited by Certificate № 7ЛИК/31.01.2006 BDS EN ISO / IEC 17025:2001 valid by 31.01.2010 and can issue official protocols for the examinations made.
Currently the Laboratory possesses the following equipment:
- Scanning electron microscope (SEM) HIROX SH-5500P with an integrated Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) system QUANTAX 100 Advanced – Bruker.
- Metallographic and stereo microscopes.
-Software support for quantitative metallographic and X-ray microanalyses. - Еquipment for sample preparation for microanalysis.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) HIROX SH-5500P with an integrated Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) system QUANTAX 100 Advanced – Brukeris purchased under Project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0008 “National Center for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies”, funded by the EU Operational Program “Science and Education for Smart Growth” 2014-2020.
SEM HIROX SH-5500P specifications:
- Window 10 compatible
- 5-axis fully motorized stage
- Stage tilt from – 45 to + 90 degrees
- Maximum sample size : diameter = 80 mm, thickness = 40 mm
- Maximal beam resolution: 5 nm (in SE mode)
- Maximal magnification: x 150 000
- 4 variable apertures and continuous variable spot size
- Two detectors: SE and BSE
- Accelerating voltage: 1 to 30 kV
EDS specifications:
- Integrated silicon drift detector (SDD) – nitrogen free
- Detection from Boron to Uranium
- Qualitative and Quantitative analysis
- Multi-point and area spectrum acquisition
- Line scan profile
- X-ray mapping
The Laboratory performs the following main activities in the field of metal science and material science:
- Investigation of the material structure. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the macro- and microstructure.
- Determination of the local element composition in point, along line and in area in solid samples, thin layers, diffusion coatings; determination of macro- and micro-chemical inhomogeneity.
- Investigation of macro- and micro-morphology of working and fractured surfaces. Fractographic analysis.
- Diagnostics of the industrial installations condition by on site control of the microstructure.
- Metal-physical analysis of the connection of the composition and structure with the material properties.
- Expertise of exploitation damages and failures.
The personnel of the Laboratory is highly qualified in the field of material science and microscopic methods of investigation. It possesses rich experience which applies in the examination of various materials: metals, ferrous and non ferrous alloys, amorphous and microcrystalline materials, composites, metal and ceramic powders, glass, ceramics, plastics.
The Laboratory actively participates in the fulfillment of the Institute’s plan, national and international projects. Partners for joint projects have been Institute “Kurchatov” and Institute “Prometei” – Russia, IAEA – Vienna, EU JRC “Petten” – Holland, Еcole Centrale de Paris, University of Skopje – Macedonia, TU Sofia, TU Varna, University of Chemical Technologies, University of Sofia, University of Plovdiv, University of Gabrovo. The Laboratory renders services to companies, institutions and private persons.
