Surface Science Western

About Surface Science Western

Surface Science Western (SSW) is a research and consulting laboratory located on Collip Circle in the Old Masonville neighborhood of London, Ontario. The facility provides high-quality scientific services and materials characterization to a wide array of clients, ranging from small manufacturing operations to large industrial corporations. They serve diverse sectors including aerospace, automotive, defense, electronics, energy and nuclear power, environmental, medical and health, and mining and mineralogy. The laboratory offers a comprehensive suite of analytical techniques to help clients understand material performance and reliability. Their capabilities include surface profilometry, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Time-of-Flight SIMS (ToF-SIMS). They also provide specialized testing such as tribological testing, microhardness testing, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Other available services involve optical microscopy, laser Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and various imaging methods like Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). Additionally, SSW performs sample preparation, corrosion and electrochemistry studies, and weathering chamber testing. Founded in 1981 at the University of Western Ontario, SSW has established a reputation for innovation and timely service, with researchers producing over 500 publications and obtaining eight patents. The organization holds an ISO 17025:2017 certification, which they state ensures high-quality results and a guaranteed chain of custody for proprietary assets. They emphasize a consultative approach, offering direct dialogue with experienced scientists to provide tailored reports and customized solutions for specific business challenges. To accommodate various project needs, the laboratory provides different turnaround timelines, including 1-day, 3-day, 5-day, and standard 15-day options. They prioritize discretion and confidentiality, maintaining a secure environment where most instruments are located in separate rooms to ensure a private working space for clients and analysts.