CharacterizationMay 15, 2026 · 3 min

Which analyses characterize a material?

The role of XRD, FTIR, SEM, BET, particle size and chemical composition.

Triplet Technical TeamResearch and Development
A circular autosampler carousel holding a ring of glass sample cups, in front of an out-of-focus analytical instrument.

XRD, FTIR, SEM, BET, ICP-OES and particle size analysis help turn a sample into traceable technical information.

Physicochemical characterization is a central step in evaluating advanced materials. On its own, a sample says little without data on composition, phase, morphology, particles, surface and processing.

In bioceramics and calcium phosphates, different techniques complement one another. No single test describes the whole material.

XRD

X-ray diffraction identifies crystalline phases and allows crystallinity to be assessed. In some cases it can support phase quantification through specific methods.

FTIR

Infrared spectroscopy identifies chemical groups and helps confirm phosphate and carbonate structures or surface modifications.

SEM/EDX

Electron microscopy makes it possible to observe the morphology, size and organization of the particles. EDX contributes local elemental analysis.

BET

Specific surface area matters for understanding interaction with matrices, dispersion potential and available surface.

ICP-OES

Quantitative chemical analysis allows major and trace elements to be assessed, supporting control of composition and Ca/P ratio.

Particle size

Particle size distribution influences processing, texture, dispersion, sedimentation and behavior in formulations.

Conclusion

Characterizing a material is more than issuing reports. It is building the technical basis for deciding whether that sample meets the project's objective.

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Hydroxyapatite made to specification

Crystallinity, Ca/P ratio, particle size and technical documentation according to the project's need.

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