Physical Analysis
Our core competence is the precise and efficient determination of physical material and product properties for production control, product development, customer sampling as well as patent and project work. We have specific expertise in the field of glass and glass ceramics. We are constantly developing our expertise through regular planning of and participation in interlaboratory comparisons and third-party funded projects, as well as cooperation with external institutes and laboratories.
Typical questions
Typical questions
Thermophysics
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Static and dynamic determination of thermal expansion between -180 °C and 900 °C
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Thermal compaction
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Determination of transformation temperature
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Determination of the viscosity curve of glasses using beam bending, fiber elongation, and rotational viscometry up to 1750 °C
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Rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) on liquids and solids between -80 °C and 1000 °C, including determination of the temperature dependence of Young’s modulus of solids
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Density
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Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) between RT and 1650 °C
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Specific heat capacity between 20 °C and 1500 °C
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Simultaneous thermal analysis (DTA-TGA) between RT and 1600 °C
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Thermal conductivity and heat conductivity between 20 °C and 500 °C
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Determination of crystallization properties by the gradient furnace method and in situ hot stage microscopy
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Young’s modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's number at room temperature
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Electrical properties from 180°C to 800°C
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Impedance spectroscopy determination of the specific resistance and impedance spectroscopy measurement of the dielectric properties (permittivity, loss angle, specific resistance) of materials between 10 mHz and 1 MHz and between -150 °C and 350 °C
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Resonance-based determination of the complex permittivity (relative permittivity and loss factor) of low-loss materials using the split-post dielectric resonator method from 1.1 GHz to 15 GHz and between -40°C and +60°C, determination of the temperature coefficient of the natural frequency TCf.
Bubble and gas analysis
Glass defect analysis
- Bubble content analysis using mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy O2, N2, CO2, Ar, SO2, CO, COS, H2S, H2, CH4, (He)
- Bubble counting and bubble size distribution
- Correlation of bubble contents with production processes, bubble defect catalogs, bubble OCAP, troubleshooting, and support for improving production yield
- Laboratory experiments on bubble formation processes and melting processes, gas profile measurement (EGA), bubble size changes, bubble content changes
Gas analysis
- Helium leak test for primary pharmaceutical packaging (CCI container closure integrity test), leak testing, leakage
- Residual gas measurements (RGA) in vacuum using mass spectrometry in the laboratory and for product control and process optimization, outgassing rates and outgassing behavior
- Particle monitoring in clean rooms, ISO class 7/8
- Development of gas analysis and vacuum technology methods
Online/inline/atline analytics
- Development of analytical methods for process control, quality control, quality assurance
Glass preparation and mechanical workshop (component manufacturing)
Measurement technology development, automation, and sensor technology
Methods in detail
Methods in detail
Viscosimetry
Procedures
We have instrumentation available for rotational, fiber elongation, and beam bending viscometry to measure the entire viscosity range of 1014,7 dPas to 10-1 dPas, which is particular important for glass technology. The measurements are carried out in accordance with the relevant parts of the ISO 7884 series of standards. The use of the "Standard Glass I of the DGG" viscosity standard certified by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB, German national metrology institute) ensures that the results can be fully traced back to national standards.Applications
- Determination of the total viscosity curve and parameterization of the measurement data using the Vogel Fulcher Tammann (VFT) equation
- Determination of viscosity fixed points: working point, softening point, temperature at viscosity 1013 dPas. The fixed points can usually also be determined individually.
- Determination of strain point and annealing point
Push rod dilatometry
Procedures
Push rod dilatometers enable the highly accurate characterization of the thermal expansion of solids. Since our samples consist mainly of glasses, which generally exhibit low thermal expansion, and zero-expansion materials, we rely almost exclusively on dilatometers developed in-house, which combine large sample lengths (100 mm) with high-precision displacement transducers and low-expansion sample holders. This allows us to perform measurements with the highest accuracy in the temperature range between -180°C and 900°C.Applications
- Characterization of the thermal expansion behavior of solids, in the case of glasses up to dilatometric softening temperature
- Real static measurement of technologically important values for the average coefficient of expansion, e.g., in the interval [20°C;300°C] according to ISO 7991. This method combines maximum accuracy with low prices.
Optical dilatometry
Procedures
In contrast to push rod dilatometers, the optical dilatometer operates without contact pressure. The special water-cooled furnace also allows heating and cooling rates of up to 100 K/min in the temperature range up to 1300 °C. The method enables the recording of expansion curves beyond transformation range, which allows the determination of the differential expansion coefficient of supercooled glass melts. Using an in-house method, this data can be incorporated into an estimation of the density of glasses up to the molten state.Applications
- Characterization of the thermal expansion behavior of solids, in glasses even beyond transformation range
- Determination of the change in length of samples while they are subjected to a complex temperature program (thermal analysis)
- Estimation of the density of glasses up to the molten state (requires further analysis)
DSC and DTA-TGA
Procedures
Our laboratory has two high-temperature DSC (RT to 1650 °C) and one high-temperature DTA-TGA (RT to 1600 °C), which are calibrated with high precision and independently of the heating rate using a special procedure. Using a measurement and evaluation procedure developed in-house, we are able to determine the specific heat capacity of glasses up to the molten state.Applications
- Determination of characteristic temperatures and calorific effects as well as detection of mass changes using DSC and DTA-TGA (DIN 51006 and DIN 51007-1)
- Determination of the specific heat capacity of solids, in the case of glasses up to the molten state (DIN 51007-1)
Investigation of crystallization behavior
Procedures
Glasses are tempered in a temperature gradient for a defined period of time and then examined by crystallography. Thanks to our extensive experience in the field of specialty glasses, we have developed different sample holders depending on the type of glass. Alternatively, we can track the crystallization in glasses and glass ceramics in situ using a hot stage microscope.Applications
- Characterization of the crystallization behavior of glasses according to validated in-house method
- Determination of the liquidus temperature of glasses (ASTM C 829)
- Determination of crystal growth rate as a function of temperature or viscosity.
Bubble and gas analytics
Procedures
We determine the number and distribution of bubbles. We also determine the gas composition in bubbles using mass spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy.Applications
- Bubble diagnostics: Troubleshooting and basic research regarding bubble formation
- Correlations between bubble content and production processes
- Support for improving production yield
- Support for the development of melting processes
- Laboratory experiments on bubble formation in glass melts up to 1650°C
Glass preparation and component manufacturing from metal materials
Procedures
Efficient standard and precision processes to produce specimens made of glass, glass ceramics, plastics, and metal materials for laboratories, as well as special components for test setups, manufacturing, and measurement technology development.Applications
- Solid materials made of glass, glass ceramics, and plastics
- Manufacture of special geometries: bulk materials in cuvette shape, thin sections, and much more.
- Preparation for bubble and glass defect diagnostics
- Polishing with cerium oxide and diamond
- Surface processes for new materials
- Standard and precision processes for metals
- Construction and product design for the manufacture of special components for test setups in laboratories and production, as well as measurement technology development
Measurement technology development, automation, and sensor technology
Procedures
Based on our daily laboratory work, we also offer the design, construction, and manufacture of metrology tools for laboratories and production. These tools can be equipped with special, robust software and, in cooperation with other service providers and production units, with cobots, and implemented in automated processes.Applications
- Construction and product design for sensor technology and measurement technology development
- Development and design of setups for production, R&D, and analytics
- Creation of online tools for production control, including implementation in the production and laboratory environment
- Software and automation development based on Python, Labview, and LOGO
- Project work & quality control
- Service support for manufactured hardware and software
- CE certification
List of our methods
Our methods of physical analysis
Thermophysics
- Push rod dilatometry: High-precision determination of thermal expansion (CTE curve) as well as differential and mean thermal expansion coefficients (-180°C to 900°C) (accredited)
- Optical dilatometry: Contact pressure-free examination of thermal expansion (RT to 1300°C) (accredited)
- Determination of compaction after thermal treatment (accredited)
- Determination of the transformation temperature (accredited)
- Hight temperature viscometry: Determination of complete viscosity curve (VFT) or individual viscosity fixed points (working point, softening point, temperature at 1013 dPas, annealing point, strain point) up to 1750°C (accredited)
- Viscosimetry: Determination of the viscosity of liquids and pastes (-40°C to 100°C) (accredited)
- Rheology: Determination of the viscoelastic properties and the temperature dependence of the Young’s modulus of solids using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) (-100°C to 1000°C) (accredited)
- High-precision determination of the density of solids by buoyancy (accredited)
- Thermal analysis: DSC (RT to 1650°C), DTA-TGA (RT to 1600°C), determination of the specific heat capacity (cp) of glasses up to the molten state (accredited)
- Flash method: Thermal diffusivity and conductivity (20°C to 500°C) (accredited)
- Gradient furnace method: Determination of the crystallization properties (including liquidus temperature) of glasses and glass ceramics up to 1550°C (accredited)
- Hot stage microscopy: Online observation of crystallization processes up to 1500°C
- Determination of Young’s modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's number at RT by resonance method (accredited)
- Determination of the electrical volume resistivity of glasses and glass ceramics (180°C to 800°C) (accredited)
- Determination of the specific resistance and dielectric properties (permittivity, loss angle) of materials between 10 mHz and 1 MHz (-150°C to 350°C) by impedance spectroscopy
- Resonance-based determination of the complex permittivity (relative permittivity and loss factor) of low-loss materials using the split-post dielectric resonator method (SPDR) from 1.1 GHz to 15 GHz, determination of the temperature coefficient of the natural frequency TCf (-40°C to +60°C) (accredited)
Bubble and gas analytics
- Number and distribution of bubbles
- Gas analytics using mass and Raman spectroscopy (accredited)
- Laboratory experiments on bubble formation in glass melts up to 1650°C
- Correlations between bubble content and production processes
- Support for improving production yield and developing melting processes
- Bubble diagnostics: Troubleshooting and fundamental research on bubble formation
Highlights
Highlights
Procedure
Our approach
Our experts at SCHOTT Analytics look forward to hearing from you. We will work with you every step of the way, from your initial inquiry to the successful resolution of your issue, no matter how challenging it may be.
Contact us
Let us know your needs using the contact form or call us directly.
Coordination of the inquiry
Our experts will work with you to develop the best solution for your needs.
Quotation
We will prepare a quotation tailored to your needs and provide you with details regarding sample selection and shipping.
Sending your samples
After placing your order, you send the samples and the necessary accompanying documentation to our laboratory.
We measure
We carry out the tests as agreed, competently and promptly.
We report
We create a detailed report of the results.
We discuss and advise
Upon request, we will discuss the results with you in detail and thus become part of your problem-solving process.
Contact
Contact our experts
Whether you want to develop innovative products or ensure compliance with regulations in regulated industries, the expertise of the accredited SCHOTT laboratory ensures your success through measurable excellence.
Dr. Axel Engel
Head of Physical Analysis