Chemical Characterization of Materials Related to Electronic Components

Testing Capabilities

X-POWER has state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for chemical analysis and materials characterization related to electronic components (e.g. electrolytic capacitors).

Chemical Analysis of Liquid Samples

Chemical Lab at CIE (SDU-Sønderborg) is a state-of-the-art facility allowing chemical analysis and materials characterization related to electronic components and production processes. The measuring equipment in this lab includes ion chromatography (IC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems coupled to a mass-spectrometer (MS), as well as automatic titrator, UV-Vis spectrophotometer and pH/conductivity meter.

Main Capabilities:

• Determination of ionic species in water-based solutions
• Determination of organic compounds in complex mixtures
• Identification of “unknown” compounds, incl. impurities and degradation products
• Determination of water content in liquids, incl. capacitor & battery electrolytes
• Determination of pH (acidity) and electrical conductivity of liquid samples

Chemical Analysis and Characterization of Solid Samples

Chemical Lab at CIE (SDU-Sønderborg) also has an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) that can be used for chemical analysis of various solid materials. XRF measurements can be made in air, in vacuum or in Helium atmosphere. Samples for XRF analysis can be prepared with the help of conventional metallography (grinding/polishing and hot mounting) equipment. Furthermore, the lab has a thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) that can be used for the evaluation of thermal stability as well as moisture and solvent content of various materials. Sample surface features can be visualized with the help of a digital optical microscope.

Samples/materials that can be analyzed:

• Electrode materials
• Membrane materials
• Solder joints
• Wires/connectors
• Metallization paths
• Insulators
• Magnetic cores
• Protective coatings

Precision Electrical Measurements on Passive Components

Capacitor Lab at CIE (SDU-Sønderborg) allows precise electrical characterization of passive components. Measurements can be done at room temperature as well as at elevated temperatures up to 300°C.

Parameters that can be measured:

• Impedance
• Breakdown voltage
• Leakage current
• Forming voltage of capacitor electrode foils

Potential to Research and Industry Service

• Reliability testing and failure analysis of passive components
• Investigation of electrochemistry-related failures
• Identification and quantification of unknown constituents in e.g. capacitor electrolytes
• Special electrolyte development
• Investigation of degradation mechanisms
• Development of lifetime models
• Help at design and process FMEA
• Support at IATF 16949 certification
• Help in supplier selection process
• Support product and process audits