Intertek MSG Laboratory provides world-class surface analysis and expertise for client surface imaging projects that benefit from the use of SSIMS, or Static Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry. SSIMS allows molecular identification of organic and inorganic materials at surfaces.  Often the surface of a material is what that delivers the benefit or special feature to a product. With SSIMS, Intertek scientists are able to measure the surface situation and provide clients with vital data and a better understanding of what is going on at the surface level.

The extremely shallow molecular surface analysis depth of SSIMS compared to other microscopy techniques allow clients to better understand what is going on at the absolute nano-scale surface of a material. This information can be critical in trouble-shooting production problems, research and development, resolving patent disputes and many other applications.

Examples of how Intertek SSIMS expertise help clients obtain critical data:

• A pharmaceutical manufacturer's patent was threatened by a rival company. Work from the Intertek MSG SSIMS team analysed the drug and compared it to its generic rival. The SSIMS results were essential to the successful result of the consequential patent litigation in favour of the client.
  

• Identification of silicone-based lubricants that can stop production lines, leading to often expensive disputes between suppliers and customers.
  
• Microscopic blobs of silicone lubricant in the wrong place can give significant problems with carbon fibre. In one case silicone lubricant caused problems with the production of cruise missles. Use of Intertek SSIMS identified the issue and helped to resolve the problem.

Intertek MSG has wide and varied experience in using SSIMS to identify and characterise problems only SSIMS is best placed to handle. Contact Intertek for more information on how use of SSIMS may be appropriate for your situation.