Test standards Alpine supports:
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) uses a focused, high-energy laser pulse to generate a small amount of plasma on the surface of the sample, removing a tiny amount of material in the process. In this plasma, atoms are excited as electrons move to higher energy states due to the intense energy input. As these electrons return to their ground states, they emit light at specific wavelengths that are characteristic of each element present. By capturing and analyzing this emitted light, LIBS generates a precise elemental breakdown of the targeted area.
The above images show how LIBS can be used to determine filler content at flaw sites in elastomers. The first photo shows a wider view of the flaw sites under investigation. The second photo shows the elemental components of several anomalies in the identified region. These breakdowns are compared to known materials, for example carbon black or sand, which can reveal the type of foreign contaminant in the rubber. LIBS is also useful for identifying base polymers for failure analysis. Based on the information from LIBS, this specimen was identified as an FKM rubber.
At Alpine, we apply LIBS directly to flaw sites and fracture surfaces on elastomers, plastics, and composites to detect foreign materials, inclusions, or unexpected fillers that may contribute to material failures. This real-time, site-specific chemical analysis provides a clear understanding of the elemental makeup where a failure has occurred, enabling accurate root cause identification and guiding corrective actions in material development and qualification programs.