Surface Science Western

Surface Science Western (SSW)

Canada’s Premier Surface Analysis and Materials Characterization Facility

SSW is a research and consulting laboratory specializing in the analysis and characterization of surfaces and materials. Since its inception in 1981, SSW has successfully served a number of clients across a range of industry sectors, and in servicing a vast range of these clients, from small manufacturing facilities to industrial giants, SSW has garnered a solid reputation for quality, innovation, and timely service.

Lithium Ores

Digitizing Lithium Ores to Help Transition to a Green Future

Global lithium demand is skyrocketing as we transition to the mass adoption of green technology and a carbon neutral economy. Understanding the nature of lithium’s mineralization is vital for its effective extraction from ores and the ability to accurately estimate future deposits.

Susanna Manuscript Study

Susanna’s Secret – A 12th Century German Palimpsest?

This 12th century 'Susanna and the Elders' medieval manuscript, dating from around 1125 in Germany, may have been a rare case of a "palimpsest". SSW researchers wanted to characterize this in detail.

Microplastics

Characterizing the Marine Menace – Microplastics

When most people think of the source of the plastics in the environment, plastic bottles and litter are the first things that come to mind. However in actuality, many of the microplastics identified are tiny fibres from our clothes or small plastic beads from cosmetics, soaps, face washes and toothpastes.

Biofilms

Low-Voltage FESEM Imaging of Biofilms

SSW used our field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) to image Shewanella Oneidensis on a carbon felt electrode at low accelerating voltages.

MicroCT MEMS

Using Micro-CT in the Electronics Industry

SSW researchers are leveraging non-destructive methods, such as Micro-CT, to analyze and image sensitive electronics.

SEM of Books

Shakespeare Exposed! SEM Imaging of Old Books

SSW Researchers wanted to test some novel samples inside the Large Chamber VP-SEM, so they imaged a whole book – a 1909 copy of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure.

Mummy Teeth

SSW is working with Anthropology on 500 year old Mummies!

SSW researchers are working with members of the Anthropology department to look at the internal structures of 500 year old sacrificial virgin mummy teeth.

3D Printed

In-situ Compression Testing to Evaluate Responses of 3D Printed Elastomer Structures to Pressure

Surface Science Western are using Micro-CT to develop analytical approaches to understanding mechanical responses of 3D printed elastomer structures to compressive pressures.

SEM of Laundry Wastewater

Unravelling the Mysteries of Laundry Microplastic Pollution

Microfibers were studied from “real-world” laundry dryer lint screens and compared to microfibers found in laundry wastewater

Compress Pillars

We are using an FE-SEM equipped with an in-chamber nano-indentor to compress tiny pillars

With the in-chamber nano-indentor attachment, SSW staff are squishing tiny micron sized pillars of metal inside of an FE-SEM… live, while we watch!

Mouse Head

Investigating a developing mouse skull using Micro-CT

Surface Science Western are using Micro-CT to image and analyze the bones and cartilages of developing mouse skulls to better understand skull development in normal and disrupted developmental conditions.

Proven Results

With over 250 people-years of experience and unparalleled interpretive skills, our researchers have proven themselves to provide unsurpassed results.

click here to learn more

Industrial Solutions

SSW has a long history of service that has allowed the development of a high level of expertise across a range of industry sectors and fields.

click here to learn more

Exceptional Service

We offer clients a range of high-quality services and cost-effective customized solutions, with access to the latest in analytical technology and techniques.

click here to learn more

Clients Each Year

Companies Helped Each Year

Industrial Projects Each Year

The high quality, reliable analytical services provided to our clients for over 30 years have facilitated development and production, decreased costly returns, innovated processes and increased profitability.

100%

Client Satisfaction

*Based on our annual customer survey

ISO 17025 Accredited

Our affiliations with experienced professionals from Western University and other complementary facilities extend our state-of-the-art capabilities.