2. Characterization and analysis techniques

2.1 Introduction

The diversity of photon-matter interaction modes and the very wide energy range of synchrotron radiation, from infrared to X-rays, lead to a wide range of analytical techniques. These techniques, which explore different aspects of materials, provide complementary information that can guide industrialists in the research and development of new products, as well as in the fine-tuning of manufacturing processes, quality control, ageing monitoring and, eventually, recycling. They can be divided into four groups according to the type of information they provide:

• IR, UV and X-ray spectroscopy techniques provide chemical information, with access to elemental composition, trace elements, oxidation state, chemical functions and...