Analytical Study of Particulate Contaminants

This report is intended as a guide for technical workers and consultants who occasionally encounter the problem of paint finishes which have been marred by particulate contamination.

The extraction of fibres and particles from paint films is dealt with in detail as are techniques for collecting and quantifying airborne particulates. Two schemes of analysis have been developed, one for fibres and one for particles, which rely mainly on optical microscopy. This technique is supplemented, where necessary, by Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS); the elemental analysis proving especially useful in characterising inorganic particles such as mineral dusts, metal fragments and combustion residues.

The methods developed during this project were used successfully to identify the source of contamination at three separate industrial sites and to assess the air quality at a fourth. The three identification problems tackled all had some complicating factor that made identification of the particulates difficult. Nevertheless, the fact that these problems were overcome and the contaminants identified is good evidence that the analytical scheme is applicable to particulate contamination as experienced by industry.

Further Information

If you are interested in this, or any other project, please contact Richard Holman.