Analyses & Characterization
Our analytical laboratories specialise in mineral chemistry of primary resources (mineral deposits, quarries, etc.) and technological materials (plastics, composites, electronic waste, etc.).
Our lengthy experience brings with it huge benefits in the development of projects. This added value distributes between:
- the choice of the most suitable analytical procedures regarding products characteristics or for the desired objective;
- an analysis of interferences;
- the assessment and interpretation of results.
Our fields of expertise cover:
- Mineral chemistry through elementary analysis by ICP, XRF, C-S or O-N-H analysers, chromatography, UV spectrometry, specific analysers (TOC, mercury, etc.), from base metals to heavy metals up to precious metals, via major elements or halogens, etc.
- Physical profiling such as particle size distribution (sieving, laser diffraction, SediGraph measurement or optical camera), density measurement by pycnometry, thermogravimetric analysis, calorific value, viscosity, ash content, etc.
- Environmental profiling using various standardised leaching tests based on thresholds defined by different legislation, on-site sampling of respirable crystalline silica (CIP portable equipment), acid drainage testing, etc.
- Mineralogy through X-ray diffraction (XRD) linked to optical microscopy (stereoscopic or petrographic microscopes) or scanning electrochemical microscopy (SEM with EDS microanalysis) on thin and polished sections.
- Materials profiling (rheological and geotechnical) such as mechanical testing (compression and flexion resistance, Proctor test, permeability test, mortar and concrete adhesion test), lime reactivity, LCPC abrasiveness, shape factor, Bond Work Index (ball mill), etc.
