Materials Characterisation Lab

Facilities

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Contact Angle Goniometer (DSA100 KRUSS)

Drop shape analysis (DSA) is an image analysis method for determining the contact angle from the shadow image of a sessile drop and the surface tension or interfacial tension from the shadow image of a pendant drop. The DSA100 is intended only for measurements of the surface tension of liquids, the interfacial tensions between two liquids and measurement of the contact angle between a liquid and a solid.

A drop shape analysis (DSA) is an image analysis method for determining the contact angle and surface free energy from the shadow image of a sessile drop and the surface tension or interfacial tension from the shadow image of a pendant drop. The DSA is intended only for measurements of the surface tension of liquids, the interfacial tensions between two liquids and measurement of the contact angle between a liquid and a solid.

 

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC 25)

DSCA Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is used for measuring thermal transitions such as melting point (Tm) and glass transition temperature (Tg). The analysis involves heating a sample over a temperature range from -90 to 400 oC. This DSC is automated (robotic) providing high sample throughput and efficiency.

 

Dilatometer (Netzsch 402PC)

A dilatometer is used to measure the dimensions of a sample under negligible load as a function of temperature or time. The DIL 402 PC is used to measure the thermal expansion or contraction of materials from room temperature (RT) up to 1600oC. The dilatometer can be used to analyse many different types of materials including: green bodies and clays; ceramics; glasses; polymers and powders. These can be analysed to find information about sintering behaviour, thermal expansion and also softening point behaviour.A Dilatometer is used to measure the expansion or contraction of materials from room temperature up to 1600oC to find information about sintering behaviour, thermal expansion or softening point behaviour. It can be used to analyse many different types of materials including: green bodies and clays, ceramics, glasses, polymers and powders.

 

Dynamic Mechanical Analyser (Q-800)

DMA is used to measure viscoelastic properties such as modulus (elastic) and damping (viscosity) of rigid and soft solid materials. The sample is mounted in the clamp, one part of which is stationary while the other is movable and connected to the drive motor. Thus, the motor directly affects the deformation of the sample. The drive motor is used to deliver force or stress to the moving drive block. This motor is non-contact in nature, in that the fixed motor assembly is not physically in contact with the movable drive block. The optical encoder measures the resulting displacement of the moving drive block. For smooth, noise-free and continuous delivery of force, the moving drive block is suspended by an air bearing.A Dynamic Mechanical Analyser (DMA) is used to measure viscoelastic properties such as modulus (elastic) and damping (viscosity) of rigid and soft solid materials. Operates over a temperature range of -145°C to 600°C, using heating rates up to 20°C/min. Gas Cooling Accessory is used to perform subambient experiments. Employs interchangeable clamps (single or dual cantilever, 3-point bending and tension modes). It can also be used with a constant force to perform standard thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA) allowing you to measure many properties, including: modulus, damping, creep, stress relaxation, glass transitions, and softening points.

 

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (Tensor 27)

FTIRA Fourier Transform infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is a technique used to obtain an infrared spectrum of absorption or emission of a large range of liquid and solid samples. TENSOR 27 - the basic spectrometer configuration - is designed for measurements mainly in the mid-infrared region. The sample compartment are purgeable. Purging the spectrometer with dry air or nitrogen gas reduces the content of unwanted atmospheric interferents inside the spectrometer significantly. The sample compartment is equipped with the QuickLock mechanism that allows for an exact and reproducible positioning and locking of various measurement accessories ( ATR, PAS, GIR, TRANS ). Examples of samples that can be analysed are solids, liquids, powders, pastes, pellets, slurries, films and fibers. Wavelength range: 4000-400 cm-1.

 

Fluorescence Spectrometer (Perkin Elmer LS55)

SpectroA Fluorescence Spectrometer ( LS55) provides the ultimate blend of high performance, reliability, ease-of-use and versatility. Computer controlled rationing luminescence spectrometer with the capability of measuring fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence and bioluminescence. The spectrometer uses a high energy pulsed Xenon source for excitation. Excitation (200-800nm) and emission (200-650 nm) monochromators can be independently or synchronously scanned. Synchronous scanning is available with constant wavelength or constant energy difference.

 

Gel Permeation Chromatography (Agilent Technologies 1260 Infinity)

gpcA Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) is a technique that used to determine the molecular weight distributions of polymers. GPC uses columns packed with very small, round, porous particles to separate molecules contained in the solvent that is passed through them. It separates molecules on the basis of their size, hence ‘size exclusion’. The GPC system is a cost-effective solution for routine polymer characterization by conventional GPC separation with refractive index, UV-visible or evaporative light scattering detection. The system’s unmatched flow precision and temperature stability gives you the confidence of obtaining reproducible and reliable results.

 

Mastersizer (Malvern 2000)

mastersizerA Mastersizer is a technique allows to measure the size distribution of particles in a liquid medium. The software performs the calculations based on the model chosen, the pattern measured and the inputted particle characteristics. It provides results in the form of volume and number data in addition to the intensity data obtained. It can measure particle sizes from 20 nm to 2 mm.

 

Osmometer (Advanced Instruments 3250)

osA Osmometer is used to determin the concentration of solutions by means of freezing-point measurement. Advanced Osmometers utilize high-precision thermistors to sense the sample temperature, to control the degree of supercooling and freeze induction, and to measure the freezing point of the sample. They can routinely determine differences of ±1 mOsm/kg H2O. The solution has to be able to freeze. This method is unsuitable for organic solvents.

 

Pycnometer (AccuPyc II 1345) pc

 

The AccuPyc 1345 pycnometer is an easy to use, fully automatic gas displacement pycnometer. It measures density and volume by measuring the pressure change of helium in a calibrated volume. The analysis measures volume, from which density can be derived automatically if the sample weight has been entered. The AccuPyc has 3 different chamber sizes: 10cm3; 3.5cm3 & 1cm3.

 

 

Rheometer ( AR-2000)

AR2000A Rheometer is a technique that used to study the deformation and flow of materials giving information about elastic and viscoelastic behavior of materials. The AR2000 rheometer is a controlled stress/controlled rate rheometer capable of handling many different types of samples. The peltier plate can be used between RT and 200oC.

 

Simultaneous Thermal Analyser (STA 1500)

STAA Simultaneous Thermal Analyser (STA) detects thermal transitions of a sample over a programmed temperature range (RT-1500oC). It has combined DSC and TGA capabilities. It can measure both enthalpy changes (DSC) and weight gain or weight loss (TGA) during sample transitions as a function of temperature or time. The analyser can also be used to gather and analyse data at isothermal temperatures to measure weight loss or gain in sample materials. Samples can be run in nitrogen or air.

 

Surface Area Analyser (Gemini VII 2390 p)

This technique allows to determine single and multipoint BET surface area, Langmuir surface area, total pore volume, t-Plot method micropore volume and area, BJH pore size distribution using adsorption isotherm and continuous measurement of saturation pressure (Po). Samples are first prepared using a Gemini FlowPrep degasser. The dry and degassed samples can then be analysed using nitrogen gas as adsorbate.

A Surface Area Analyser is a technique that used to determine single and multipoint BET surface area, Langmuir surface area, total pore volume, t-Plot method micropore volume and area, BJH pore size distribution using adsorption isotherm and continuous measurement of saturation pressure (Po). The dry and degassed samples are analysed using nitrogen gas as absorbate.

 

Surface Area & Pore Size Analyser (NOVA 4200e)

NOVAA Surface Area and Pore Size Analyser used to

  • determine fully automated multipoint BET analysis and mesopore size distribution for up to four samples at one time or three plus continuous Po measurement
  • prepare two samples by vacuum or flow methods simultaneously with sample analysis—at different temperatures if required.
  • access degasser during analysis to start/stop flow or vacuum degassing with Analysis Interrupt.

Surface area range – 0.01 m2/g to not known upper limit
Pore size range- 0.35 to > 500 nm
Temperature range – ambient – 450oC, 1oC intervals

 

Thermogravimetric Analyser (TGA 5500)tga

A Thermogravimetric Analyser (TGA) measures the amount and rate of weight change in a material, either as a function of increasing temperature, or isothermally as a function of time, in a controlled atmosphere. It can be used to characterize any material that exhibits a weight change and to detect phase changes due to decomposition, oxidation, or dehydration. This information helps to identify the percent weight structure, processing, and end-use performance. Samples can be heated in nitrogen or air over a programmed temperature range spanning RT-1000oC.

 

UV-Vis Spectrometer (PerkinElmer Lambda 35)

uvA UV-Vis Spectrometer (Lambda35) is scanning double-beam spectrometer for the UV/Vis range (from 190 to 1100 nm). It is supplied with two photodiodes detectors (one for the sample beam and one for the reference beam). This technique allows liquid and film samples to be characterized in terms of their respective absorption or transmission properties.

 

UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer (PerkinElmer Lambda 950)

uvA UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer (Lambda 950) is scanning double-beam spectrophotometer for the UV/Vis/NIR range. It is supplied with two photodiodes detectors (one for the sample beam and one for the reference beam). Lambda 950 allows liquid, solid, film and powder samples to be characterized in terms of their respective absorption, transmission or reflection properties.

There are two detectors:

  1. Standard detector covers a wavelength range from 175 to 3300 nm: suitable for liquid, film or solid samples for transmission or absorption analysis
  2. Integrating Sphere detector covers a wavelength range from 250 to 2500 nm suitable for films or solids for transmission, absorption and reflection analysis
 

Zetasizer (Malvern Nano ZS Series)

zsA Zetasizer is a technique allows clear or lightly coloured solutions to be characterized in terms of sample particle size, zeta potential and molecular weight, three fundamental parameters of nano-sized particles or molecules in a liquid medium.
The Zetasizer can measure:

  1. particle size for the size ranges 0.6 nm to 6 μm
  2. Zeta potential for a size range 5 nm to 10 μm
  3. molecular weight in the size ranges 1000 to 2x107 Daltons
  4. titrator allows to measure zeta potential, size or intensity as a function of pH through a temperature range from 4oC to 90oC.