---
type: "WebPage"
title: "Laboratory analysis and expertise of surface treatments"
description: "Securing the performance of critical surface treatments Surface treatments play a key role in the protection, reliability, and performance of components used in aerospace, space and defense.Anodizing, passivation, coatings, heat or chemical treatments determine corrosion resistance, adhesion, mechanical performance, and..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/laboratory-analysis-expertise-surface-treatment/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_6126534cdef3d", "Anaïs DECAUX"]
timestamp: "2026-07-09T13:41:25Z"
published: "2021-08-25T14:27:24Z"
language: "en"
author: "bwa"
---

# Laboratory analysis and expertise of surface treatments

## Securing the performance of critical surface treatments

Surface treatments play a key role in the protection, reliability, and performance of components used **in [aerospace](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-aeronautics-aerospace.md), [space](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-aeropace-testing-services.md) and [defense](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analyses-tests-defense-security-sector.md).**

**[Anodizing](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/analysis-of-a-surface-treatment-by-anodizing.md), [passivation](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/laboratory-characterization-passivation.md), [coatings](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/laboratory-surface-coating-characterization.md), heat or chemical treatments** determine corrosion resistance, adhesion, mechanical performance, and the durability of materials in harsh environments.

 Carrying out analyses on surface treatments then becomes a lever for securing critical components.
There are several surface treatment and surface expertise techniques:

## surface treatment analysis and expertise techniques

Surface treatments and coatings **by wet process**: chemical baths (electroless nickel, copper, etc.), electroplating deposits, galvanizing process…

Surface treatment and coating **by dry process**: thermal spraying, plasma, vapor-phase deposition (CVD and PVC), shot blasting…

## The FILAB laboratory analyzes your surface treatments and coatings to ensure their proper functionality

Thanks to our dual expertise in chemistry and materials science, the FILAB laboratory offers analysis services for all types of surface treatments (organic or inorganic) and for all types of materials (metal, glass, polymer, ceramic, etc.).

Our laboratory addresses industrial surface treatment challenges through the following services:

  Our services
## Surface treatment expertise

 •
Failure analysis and expertise: surface corrosion, identification of process or implementation defects...

Failure analysis and expertise: surface corrosion, identification of process or implementation defects...

 •
Verification of treatment compliance (anodizing, passivation, coatings)

Verification of treatment compliance (anodizing, passivation, coatings)

 •
Measurement of thickness, composition and homogeneity

Measurement of thickness, composition and homogeneity

 •
Surface analysis and contamination

Surface analysis and contamination

 •
Detection and identification of surface contamination

Detection and identification of surface contamination

 •
Characterization of surface condition before or after treatment

Characterization of surface condition before or after treatment

 •
Assessment of treatment/material/environment compatibility

Assessment of treatment/material/environment compatibility

## to go further...

[Surface treatment bath analysis](https://filab.fr/paroles-d-expert/metallurgie-fonderie-automobile/filab-caracterise-les-bains-de-traitement-de-surface.md)

[Coating thickness measurement](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/surface-coating-thickness-measurement.md)

[Hot-dip galvanizing service](https://filab.fr/paroles-d-expert/metallurgie-fonderie-automobile/filab-accompagne-industriels-galvanisation-chaud.md)

[Expertise in failure analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures.md)s

[Metallurgical expertise](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory.md)

[Surface coating characterization](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/laboratory-surface-coating-characterization.md)

[Search for and characterization of impurities (deposits, contamination, particles...)](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-detection-identification-impurities.md)

[Surface analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization.md)

Characterization of a surface treatment based on [tin](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-tin-alloy-sn.md) on [glass](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-analysis-expertise-glass.md)

[Surface condition expertise](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/laboratory-analysis-surface-condition.md)

## Our techniques

 An analytical facility of 5,200 m² dedicated to materials characterization, especially surface analysis and surface treatment.
### SEM-EDX

### ICP-AES

### SEO

### AFM

Our surface treatment analysis and expertise capabilities are also diverse, depending on the nature of the treatment: Scanning Electron Microscope ([MEB-FEG EDX](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md)), [TOF-SIMS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-tof-sims.md) analysis, [XPS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-xps-esca.md) for morphological examinations; [ICP AES, ICP MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes.md) or [Ion Chromatography](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-ion-chromatography.md) for chemical composition analysis.

If you would like more information about our surface treatment analyses, contact us!

 [Discover the full analytical facility](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources.md)
## Client Qualifications

 ![](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/logo-dassault-1.png)
###

The FILAB laboratory has obtained the [DASSAULT AVIATION approval](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/accreditations-en/laboratory-approved-dassault-aviation.md). This approval makes FILAB a reliable partner for aerospace manufacturers.

 ![](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Safran.webp)
###

Several years ago, FILAB obtained the [Laboratory Qualification from the SAFRAN group](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/accreditations-en/laboratory-safran-approved.md) under procedures GRP-0087, GRM-0123 and TTS-MOP-004.

This qualification is regularly renewed following audits carried out by Safran at our premises.

## Research and development

 45 years of experience in materials analysis and expertise Dual expertise in chemistry / materials COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory Tailor-made support based on client requirements [About us](https://filab.fr/en/about-us.md)
## FAQ

 What is surface treatment?
A surface treatment is a process applied to the surface of a material or object in order to improve its properties, appearance, or functionality. These treatments can be carried out on various types of materials such as metals, plastics, ceramics, glass, and more. They are commonly used in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, and many others.

 What is surface treatment used for?
Surface treatments can be classified into different categories depending on their objectives. Here are some common examples of surface treatments:

1. Corrosion protection: Some materials are susceptible to corrosion when exposed to moisture, air, or aggressive environments. Surface treatments such as galvanizing, anodizing, or chrome plating are used to create a protective layer on the surface, thereby reducing corrosion.
2. Coatings: These are used to improve the surface properties of the material. For example, applying non-stick coatings for pans, wear-resistant coatings for tools, or optical coatings for lenses.
3. Decoration and aesthetics: Surface treatments can be used to enhance the appearance of objects by adding patterns, colors, or special finishes.
4. Improving mechanical properties: Some treatments can increase the strength, hardness, or toughness of materials, making them better suited to specific applications.
5. Surface cleaning and preparation: Before applying certain coatings or manufacturing processes, it is sometimes necessary to clean and prepare the surface to ensure optimal adhesion.
6. Modifying electrical or thermal conductivity: Surface treatments can be used to increase or reduce a material's electrical or thermal conductivity depending on the requirements.