Enormous scientific information, not possible earlier by conventional analytical tools, can now be retrieved by the use of Synchrotron high energy beam or bright light.

This high technology facility used in conjunction with, for example, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy or Infrared micro-spectroscopy can provide minute details of materials that are not amenable by other techniques.

FORAY Laboratories is located less than one kilometre from the Australian Synchrotron Facility and has access to the equipment to conduct leading edge and advanced analytical investigations.
 

FORAY has completed studies of industrial problems such as:

• Characterisation of coating adhesion to metal and plastic  materials;
• Failure of carbon fibre epoxy composites;
• Corrosion of metal piping; and
• Examination of dyed polyester and wool fibres.

In examination of dyed polyester and wood fibres, Synchrotron IR microscopy was used to identify structural anomalies in the fibre of the dyed polyester wool or polyester cotton fabric. Polyester fibre was separated from cotton and wool fibre and examined using the technique.

Figure 1 and 2:  On the left note the absence of any nodules on the fibre on the microscopy of wool fibre. On the right Microscopy of dyed polyester fibre, note the nodules along the fibre.

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