Surface Characterization

We perform detailed surface characterization to understand how materials and coatings behave before, during, and after environmental exposure.

These measurements provide the link between experimental testing and material performance by quantifying surface properties and their evolution.

Why Surface Characterization Matters

The performance of coatings and materials is strongly influenced by surface properties such as roughness, wettability, and microstructure.

Changes at the surface level can directly affect:

  • Ice adhesion and shedding behavior
  • Erosion resistance and degradation mechanisms
  • Functional properties such as hydrophobicity
  • Interaction with fluids and particles

Quantifying these properties is essential for understanding performance and guiding material development.

Measurement Capabilities

We employ a range of characterization techniques to analyze surface properties:

  • Wettability measurements (contact angle and roll-off angle)
  • Surface roughness analysis (profilometry)
  • Microscopy (optical and electron-based methods)
  • Chemical surface analysis (e.g. XPS)

These methods allow both qualitative and quantitative assessment of surface behavior.

Wettability & Surface Energy

Wettability testing provides insight into how liquids interact with a surface.

We measure:

  • Contact angle
  • Roll-off angle

These parameters are critical for:

  • Evaluating hydrophobic and icephobic coatings
  • Assessing functional degradation after testing
  • Understanding fluid–surface interaction mechanisms
Droplet on a surface and SEM image of the surface structure

Microscopy & Microstructure Analysis

Microscopy allows detailed investigation of surface morphology and material structure.

This includes:

  • Optical microscopy for general surface inspection
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for high-resolution analysis

These methods are used to:

  • Identify defects and failure mechanisms
  • Analyze particle impacts and erosion features
  • Examine coating structure and degradation

Surface Roughness & Topography

Surface roughness plays a key role in both icing and erosion behavior.

We perform:

  • Profilometry-based roughness measurements (e.g. Dektak systems)
  • Analysis of surface features and crater formation

This enables tracking of:

  • Erosion progression
  • Surface damage evolution
  • Changes in functional surface structure
Example surface roughness measurement

Chemical Surface Analysis

For advanced material studies, chemical composition can be analyzed using techniques such as:

  • X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

This allows investigation of:

  • Surface chemistry and composition
  • Changes due to environmental exposure
  • Coating functionality at the chemical level

Flexible Access to Characterization Tools

We combine in-house capabilities with extended access to additional instrumentation.

This includes:

  • Direct access to in-house measurement systems
  • Use of additional equipment through collaboration
  • Integration of specialized analysis methods when required

This flexible approach ensures that appropriate characterization methods can be selected for each specific investigation.

Measurement & Evaluation

Surface characterization is typically integrated with experimental testing.

This enables:

  • Comparison of surface properties before and after exposure
  • Correlation between surface changes and performance
  • Identification of degradation mechanisms

These insights support both material development and validation.

Typical Use Cases

Surface characterization supports:

Frequently Asked Questions

Coatings, metals, polymers, and structured surfaces can all be characterized.

Yes, surface characterization is typically used to track changes due to environmental exposure.

Yes, multiple methods are often combined to obtain a complete understanding of surface behavior.

No, surface characterization is used for both research and application-driven development.