Fractography

Using optical and scanning electron microscopy, our fractographers perform an in-depth analysis of glass container failures to determine the root cause of breaks and cracks, including:

  • Root cause failure analysis
  • Failure mechanism
  • Field complaint and process analysis
  • Optical characterization of defects, cracks, and fractures

    • We mechanically evaluate glass container reliability, including: 

    Mechanical Testing

  • Horizontal and vertical tests
  • Failure load measurements
  • Destructive testing, together with fractographic analysis for enhanced understanding of failure mechanisms

    • Particulate Analyses

    We can detect and fully characterize various particulate populations using:

  • Detection and counting y Flow Cam/Mictrotrac and filtration and microscopic image analysis
  • Characterization by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX)

    • Chemical Analyses

    We perform chemical analyses to characterize glass composition, identify potential sources of contamination that may occur during container manufacturing or filling line damage events, and understand container chemical durability, including:

  • Surface topography and particle analysis using various optical microscopy techniques, SEM-EDX, and atomic force microscopy (AFM
  • Surface and depth profiling chemical analysis by dynamic and time-offlight secondary ion mass spectometry (D-SIMS, TOF-SIMS) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
  • Chemical composition analysis by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), flame emission (FE, wavelength dispersive and micro-beam x-ray flourescence sepctroscopy (WDXRF, μ-XRF)
  • Trace and ultra-trace elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, LA ICP-MS)
  • Pharmacopeia, industry standards, and customized chemical durability testing

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    Along with detailed investigation reports, our experts will be available to work closely with you during the analysis process. 

    In addition to testing, we are available to conduct on-site filling line evaluations to help you assess packaging performance and support your manufacturing needs. 

    For a confidential consultation on customized testing, please contact us at pharmatest@corning.com.

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