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Capability Statement
A concise overview of ClearRoot Materials expertise, services, and approach.
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Materials Science Insights & Technical Education
ClearRoot shares practical knowledge on polymer failure analysis, materials characterization, contamination investigations, and analytical techniques so manufacturers, engineers, and technical decision makers can ask better questions and make more informed decisions.
Analytical Techniques Overview
Common tools used to answer materials questions.
Each technique provides a different type of evidence. ClearRoot helps clients understand what a method is commonly used for, what question it can help answer, and how the results fit into the larger investigation.
FTIR
FTIR
Helps identify materials and chemical functional groups. Commonly used to compare polymers, adhesives, coatings, residues, and contamination.
SEM
SEM/EDS
Provides high magnification surface images and elemental information. Useful for fracture surfaces, debris, foreign particles, and contamination questions.
DSC
DSC
Measures thermal transitions such as melting, crystallization, and glass transition. Helpful for material comparison, formulation differences, and processing questions.
TGA
TGA
Measures weight loss as a material is heated. Helps evaluate filler content, thermal stability, moisture, volatiles, and decomposition behavior.
DMA
DMA
Measures how a material responds to stress, temperature, and frequency. Useful for stiffness, damping, and temperature dependent performance questions.
Py
Py-GC/MS
Breaks down complex materials into chemical fragments for analysis. Useful for polymers, rubbers, adhesives, coatings, and unknown organic materials.
XRF
XRF
Screens for elements in a material or surface without extensive sample preparation. Helpful for fillers, metals, inorganic additives, and contamination checks.
UV
UV/Vis
Measures how materials absorb or transmit light. Useful for discoloration, optical changes, coatings, dyes, and stability questions.
Right Technique for the Right Question
How ClearRoot Selects Analytical Techniques
Investigations begin with the problem, not the instrument. ClearRoot first defines the decision that needs to be supported, then selects analytical methods that can provide relevant evidence.
1
Define the Question
What failed, where did it fail, when did it happen, and what decision needs support?
2
Review the Evidence
Samples, history, process inputs, service conditions, and comparison materials are considered together.
3
Select the Methods
Testing is chosen because it fits the question, not because a specific instrument is available.
4
Interpret in Context
Results are connected back to mechanisms, risk, corrective action, and practical next steps.
Future Technical Resources
Materials Science Resources for Engineers
ClearRoot uses this hub to organize technical articles, educational guides, industry insights, materials science bulletins, and downloadable resources for manufacturers, engineers, and technical decision makers.
Technical Articles
Technical insights and educational resources.
Educational Guides
Practical materials decision support.
Industry Insights
Materials failures and lessons learned.
Materials Science Bulletins
Short technical learning resources.
Downloadable Resources
Guides, checklists, and reference documents.
Available Now
Current Technical Downloads
Start with these two resources to understand ClearRoot's approach.
PDF
Example Investigations PDF
Representative investigation examples showing ClearRoot's structured, evidence-based approach.
Download PDFHave a materials question?
Contact ClearRoot for guidance on polymer failure analysis, materials characterization, contamination investigations, or which analytical technique may fit your situation.