Chemical analysis and microanalysis

Chemical analysis and microanalysis

The microanalysis laboratory carries out chemical and mineralogical composition studies on all types of building materials, soils, rocks and artefacts, using the latest generation tools. In addition to the methods traditionally adopted in analytical chemistry, the Geolab laboratories have instruments for the complete characterization of the
compositional and microstructural materials such as:
SEM-EDAX optical microscopy.
Atomic absorption spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry;
X-ray diffractometry,
Thin section optical microscopy.

Microanalysis represents the leading element for the diagnosis of degradation in materials, structures and monumental goods.

The Panalytical X'Pert Pro system for X-ray diffraction (XRD) provides quantitative analysis of the various crystalline phases making up a sample. It applies to all types of solid samples, and is ideal for the study of corrosion products, the study of the hydration of cements, and the quantification of amorphous reactive phases in the aggregates. The PDF-4 database contains 200,000 crystalline compounds and allows to identify all the components of the sample.
The instrument for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Fei Quanta 200 provides images at very high magnifications of solid samples, to study the shape, size and texture of the particles that compose it. Simultaneous EDAX elemental microanalysis provides the local chemical composition. The possibility of working in low vacuum (ESEM) allows not to influence the physical and hydration state of the sample during the analysis.
The Philips PW2400 X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer provides highly accurate composition analysis
chemical, ideal for the quantification of chlorides, sulphates, heavy metals, sodium, potassium, etc. in
all solid matrices. The same analyzes on water samples are carried out with the PerkinElmer AAnalyst 200 flame atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS).
For the preparation of the samples, the preliminary examination, and for the investigation of the modified bitumen, two Leica optical microscopes complete the laboratory instrumentation: they cover magnifications from 5x to 1000x and operate in reflected light, in transmitted light and in fluorescence.
The chemistry and microanalysis laboratory offers services for the following sectors:

Diagnosis of the deterioration of concrete works

The knowledge of the causes of deterioration of a concrete work is of fundamental importance for the choice of the most suitable intervention techniques. For this purpose, the investigation must be carried out with the methods of mineralogical - petrographic analysis, such as X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy in transmitted and reflected light, optical microscopy in fluorescent light, scanning electron microscopy, are the most effective. Through mineralogical - petrographic investigations it is possible to obtain information relating to the compositional and microstructural characteristics that condition the behavior of the material in operation in terms of durability and in the identification of the products of the degradative process of materials even if present in the embryonic phase. In particular:

Indication on the compositional characteristics of the hardened cement paste

Lithological, granulometric, morphological and microstructural characteristics of the aggregate, estimate of the thickening of the fine and coarse aggregate.
Identification of pozzolanic materials and fibers, their distribution and interaction with the cement paste
Determination of the quantity, distribution, and size of the pores by bubble entrapment
air.
Identification and description of bleeding structures.
Determination of capillary porosity
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    Distribution, development and orientation of macro and micro-cracks.

    Depth and distribution of carbonation

    Identification and evaluation of the results of alterations caused by alkali reactions - aggregates, sulphate attack, entry of chlorides

    Degree of corrosion of metal reinforcement

Evaluation of the state of conservation of stone materials constituting artefacts of historical and artistic interest

As part of the evaluation of the state of conservation of stone artefacts of historical and artistic interest, it is of fundamental importance to proceed with the characterization of the constituent materials, the localization and the study of the various forms of alteration present. In fact, only in this way it is possible to understand the causes that produced the deterioration, and choose the best conservative intervention and its correct design. In this compound,
Geolab has participated and is participating in the diagnostic and experimentation activities of the Arab-Norman historical and monumental heritage of the city of Palermo.

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