Xrf analysis laboratories by MicroVision Laboratories, Inc. today? As indicated in the FTIR spectral comparison below, the suspect material showed a near perfect match for acetylsalicylic acid. Additionally, there was a small amount of dibasic phosphate present. It was determined that the material was likely acetylsalicylic acid with a phosphate binder – an aspirin. Therefore, from this analysis the suspect material in the bottle was likely a household aspirin tablet, broken apart and separated by the water. In order to confirm the identification, a few aspirin tablets from several common manufacturers were obtained, roughly ground, and soaked to allow for comparison. The optical morphology of the crystals, size range of the particles, association with the phosphate and FTIR spectrum all were consistent with the original suspect material. A report detailing the methods and findings in full narrative form was rendered to the client.
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS): While in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), samples are exposed to high energy electrons in a vacuum, which generates X-rays through secondary electron transitions. Variations in electron configuration specific to each element generate different energy electrons, and thus different signature energy peaks, indicating which elements are present in the sample. Analysis is performed only on areas which are exposed to the electron beam, facilitating precise control of the analyzed area. This means the composition of very small areas or particles in a sample can be taken. Since EDS is performed in the SEM chamber, a quick and easy interrogation of the surface materials as viewed on the SEM is possible. This can be expanded to include the entire sample, please see our Elemental Mapping page. Additionally, relative amount of the elements present can be calculated, generating composition percentages.
Have you always been located in Chelmsford, MA? No, for the first four years MicroVision Labs operated at 15 A Street, Burlington, MA. In 2007 we moved to our present location in Chelmsford, MA. What business designation does MicroVision Labs have? MicroVision Labs is designated as a veteran owned small business. How many staff members does MicroVision Labs have? MicroVision Labs is a small business employing 5-10 full-time, part-time, and contract employees. Read a few extra info at this page. We are proud to announce that MicroVision Labs is now accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. This represents over a year of diligent effort from all of our staff to verify and validate our in house SOP’s and transform our quality management system to one that is compliant to this international standard. This certification requires that accredited labs demonstrate that they are competent and can produce technically valid data and results unlike other certifications such as ISO 9001:2015. This represents an obvious value to our clients.
Also, the color EDS map highlights the iron particles in the mineral filled PVC floor. These iron particles were concentrated in areas were the tile showed signs of impact which indicated some metallic object impacted the tile leaving behind small particles and over time the materials oxidized which created darker spots in the tile. The data indicated that a significant portion of the dust was from the insulation in the attic. The contractor had replaced a portion of duct work running to the master bedroom. During this replacement, fiberglass insulation was knocked into the ducting. The small glass insulation fibers were spread through the AC ducts and settling out of the air throughout the house. The client was relieved to know what was causing their skin irritation and the significant dust build up. Using the results garnered from the analysis from MicroVision Labs they were able to have the contractor clean out the duct work and act to prevent further spread of the insulation fibers and properly clean up the settled dust in the house that was the cause of the homeowner’s skin irritation.
Examining the sample with a polarized light microscope (PLM), it was darker and coarser than expected for a mold sample. The dust appeared to be a closed cell, synthetic blown foam material, and all from the same source. The black color was likely due to pigment particles added to color the foam. Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy was performed on the foam particles. The spectrum showed a mixture of spectral features, associated with vinyl acetates, polyurethane, and cellulose or other sugar-like polymers. Based on these features, a common urethane acetate foam was determined as the likely source material. Read more info on this website.