Hot-Stage Optical Microscopy Laboratory

When materials such as crystals or polymers are heated they undergo transitions that can be observed occurring under the microscope. Characteristics analysed by Intertek MSG include melting point, melting range, crystal nucleation temperature and more.

For instance many solid materials melt when they are heated.  This can clearly be seen microscopically.  On cooling, other processes can be observed.  Crystals, for example, can nucleate and then grow.  It is possible to obtain kinetic information from these observations.

In many cases bright field microscopy suffices, but occasionally Intertek MSG can employ crossed polars or even dark field microscopy.  Finally, it may be helpful for a presentation or  subsequent image analysis work to capture the transitions observed using time-lapse micrography or video imaging.

Characteristics that can be analysed:

1. Melting point or melting range
2. Crystal nucleation temperature

Possible associated technical issues:

1. QC test of contaminant
2. Effect of additives on process