# Materials Characterization Services

> Analytical services broker providing scientists and engineers with the exact materials analysis they need — through 500+ partnering labs, instrument manufacturers, and universities.

MAT-CS is part of the Covalent Group. We are not a lab ourselves — we are experts in the laboratory landscape, brokering analysis across a network of partner labs to match your sample, technique, and budget.

## Company
- [About MAT-CS](https://mat-cs.com/about-mat-cs/): Mission, history, and approach
- [Meet the Team](https://mat-cs.com/meet-the-team/): Scott Baumann, Debbie Hess PhD, Christopher Andren, Heidi Magid
- [Consulting](https://mat-cs.com/consulting/): Expert-witness work, regulatory method development, specialized lab sourcing
- [Contact Us](https://mat-cs.com/contact/): Phone, email, and inquiry form
- [Get a Quote](https://mat-cs.com/get-a-quote/): Submit sample details for pricing
- [Special Analysis Request](https://mat-cs.com/special-analysis-request/): Non-routine or custom analyses

## Capabilities — Analytical Techniques

Browse the full catalog (~1960 techniques + standards) at [https://mat-cs.com/analytical-techniques/](https://mat-cs.com/analytical-techniques/).

- [Bulk Analysis](https://mat-cs.com/analytical-techniques/bulk-analysis-techniques/): Composition and properties through the full thickness of a sample
- [Microscopy & Microanalytical](https://mat-cs.com/analytical-techniques/microscopy-microanalytical-techniques/): Imaging and elemental analysis at micron-to-atomic scale
- [Surface & Thin Film](https://mat-cs.com/analytical-techniques/surface-thin-film-techniques/): Chemistry, thickness, and structure of the top nanometers
- [Polymer Characterization](https://mat-cs.com/analytical-techniques/polymer-characterization-techniques/): Molecular weight, thermal behavior, mechanical response
- [Optical Measurements](https://mat-cs.com/analytical-techniques/optical-measurements/): UV/Vis/IR spectroscopy and refractive properties
- [Liquids & Gases](https://mat-cs.com/analytical-techniques/measuring-liquids-gases/): Composition, contamination, trace-level analysis
- [Electrical / Electronics](https://mat-cs.com/analytical-techniques/electrical-test-methods-electronics/): Conductivity, dielectric properties, device performance
- [Reliability Testing](https://mat-cs.com/analytical-techniques/reliability-testing/): Environmental stress, accelerated aging, lifetime characterization
- [Miscellaneous Tests](https://mat-cs.com/analytical-techniques/miscellaneous-tests/): Specialized methods that don't fit the other categories

## Popular Techniques

- [SEM — Scanning Electron Microscopy](https://mat-cs.com/sem-scanning-electron-microscopy/): Imaging and elemental analysis at the micron-to-nanometer scale
- [XRD — X-Ray Diffraction](https://mat-cs.com/xrd-x-ray-diffraction/): Crystal structure, phase identification, residual stress
- [XPS — X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy](https://mat-cs.com/xps-x-ray-photoelectron-spectroscopy/): Surface chemistry of the top 5-10 nm
- [ESCA — Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis](https://mat-cs.com/esca-electron-spectroscopy-for-chemical-analysis/): Alias for XPS — elemental composition + chemical state
- [LECO — Combustion Analysis (H, C, N, O, S)](https://mat-cs.com/leco-combustion-analysis-h-c-n-o-s/): Total elemental content via inert-gas fusion or combustion
- [BET — Surface Area & Porosimetry](https://mat-cs.com/bet-porosimetry-surface-area-brunauer-emmett-teller/): Specific surface area and pore size distribution
- [CTE — Coefficient of Thermal Expansion](https://mat-cs.com/cte-coefficient-of-thermal-expansion/): Dimensional change vs temperature via dilatometry
- [EXAFS — X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure](https://mat-cs.com/exafs-extended-x-ray-absorption-fine-structure/): Local atomic structure around a target element

## Test Methods & Standards

MAT-CS provides analysis to 1,847 ASTM standards and 0 ISO standards. The full hub:

- [Test Methods](https://mat-cs.com/test-methods/): Standards overview
- [ASTM Methods List](https://mat-cs.com/astm-methods/): Complete searchable list of 1,847 ASTM standards
- [ISO Methods List](https://mat-cs.com/iso-methods/): Complete searchable list of ISO standards

Individual standards live at `/astm-<number>/` and `/iso-<number>/`. Each carries a brief description of scope and significance — see the per-page `.md` siblings for full content.

## Resources

- [Resources Hub](https://mat-cs.com/resources/): How we work, behind the scenes
- [Experiment Design](https://mat-cs.com/experiment-design/): Guide to scoping a sample analysis project
- [The Laboratory Landscape](https://mat-cs.com/the-laboratory-landscape/): How we pick the right partner lab
- [Quality Programs](https://mat-cs.com/quality-programs/): ISO 17025, A2LA, GLP, GMP — matching lab quality to project needs
- [Regulatory Analyses](https://mat-cs.com/regulatory/): Government regulations requiring lab analysis

## Optional

- [Sitemap (XML)](https://mat-cs.com/sitemap-index.xml): Machine-readable index of all pages
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/materials-characterization-services-llc/): Company updates and announcements

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*Generated: 2026-07-10 · 1960 techniques indexed · A member of the Covalent Group*