Automotive Material Science

Atomic Force Microscopy Provides Critical Automotive Insight

Powerful atomic force microscope (AFM) systems allow profound understanding of in-situ physical and chemical processes occurring on material surfaces at the nanoscale level that affect lifetime, reliability, and performance. High-precision nanoindentation systems provide the capabilities to perform fast industry-standard mechanical testing at various size scales.

Keysight’s compact field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) systems with fully integrated energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) enable quick and easy acquisition of high-resolution images at variable low voltages, as well as elemental analysis for advanced materials development and failure analysis.

Applications for these versatile, state-of-the-art systems include:

• Nanoscale imaging and mechanical analysis of membranes/separators and electrodes of lithium batteries
• In-situ ionic transport studies of energy storage devices
• Real-time corrosion studies (i.e., electrochemistry) of metals and hybrid materials
• Electric and magnetic characterization of fuel cells and GaN devices
• Morphology and composition characterization of machined parts, platings, and coatings
• Wear and hardness testing of tire polymers, glass, metals, and many other materials
• Scratch testing of paints and coatings
• Failure analysis of systems based on MEMS sensors (e.g., airbags)
• Optimization of reliability and performance for gear cogs and engine parts at elevated temperatures