Thermal Analysis

Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA)

• Model: Netzsch STA 409
• Air, nitrogen, argon, and hydrogen up to 1400°C
• FTIR available (contact for details)
• Can be used to monitor phase changes, chemical reactions, oxidizations, polymer burnout and more
• Results: DSC⁄TGA curve versus temperature graphically and in electronic form

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Dilatometer

• Manufacturer: Anter
• Hydrogen, nitrogen, and argon can be used as the atmosphere up to 1450°C
• Determines the coefficient of thermal expansion of solids or shrinkage during powder sintering
• Results: Raw data of linear change in height with temperature and graphical representation

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Thermal Conductivity ⁄ Diffusivity

• Model: Anter Laser Flash 5000
• Argon, nitrogen, and hydrogen up to 1500°C
• Sample size: 12.55–12.70 mm diameter disk with height between 0.5–3.0 mm depending on the expected thermal diffusivity
• Standard test: up to 4 temperatures can be investigated; request quote for additional temperatures
• Results: Thermal diffusivity at specific temperature and specific heat if the sample density is known

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Physical Properties

Helium Pycnometry Density

• Determines "skeletal" density utilizing helium
• Can be used on powders, fibers, porous materials and solids
• Sample holder cylinders:
• Micro — 15 mm diameter and 25 mm height
• Small — 24 mm diameter and 38 mm height
• Large — 49 mm diameter and 72 mm height
• Results: Density in g⁄cc

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Tap Density

• The density of powder after the powder has been "tapped" or compacted under its own weight
• Results: Density in g⁄cc

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Apparent Density

• The density of a powder including the space between particles
• Results: Density in g⁄cc

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BET surface area

• Model: Coutler SA 3100
• Powder and object sample holder
• Nitrogen, as both cryogen and adsorbent
• Most accurate for total surface areas above 10 m²
• Results: BET surface area (m²⁄g) and correlation coefficient (how well the data fits the BET equation)

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Particle Size

• Model: Horiba LA–920
• Laser diffraction technique
• Particles from .010 µm to 3,000 µm
• Wet dispersion
• Need powders’ refractive index for best results
• Results: Particle size distribution based on volumne

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Mercury Porosimetry

• Pascal high and low pressure unit
• Measurable pore diameter range 116–0.0036 µm
• 0.2–3 grams needed depending on the porosity and sample type
• Results: Pore size distribution

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Capillary Rheometer

• Measures the flow properties of a polymer–metal compound
• Results: Specific flow properties depending on test method utilized

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Imaging

Metallography (mounting and polishing)

• Mount in epoxy resin and polish
• A wide variety of polishing methodology can be followed
• Contact to discuss specific sample issues
• Results: Polished samples and⁄or images

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Optical Microscopy

• Low magnification microscope for objects
• High magnification microscope (50x–1,000x) for polished samples
• Results: Images

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Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

• Model: Philips XL30 ESEM
• Secondary electron imaging
• Backscatter imaging
• Environmental mode for low conductivity samples
• Elemental identification (EDAX)
• Other SEM's available upon request
• Results: SEM images and EDAX data if requested

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Quantitative Image Analysis

• Clemex image analysis and microscope control system
• Grain size analysis
• Contact for specific image analysis needs
• Results: Depends on analysis needs

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Mechanical Properties

Tensile Testing or Three–Point Bend

• Various machines available
• Contact to discuss specific sample requirements
• Results: Load displacement curves and measured values as desired

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Hardness Testing

• Various testers available including micro hardness
• Knoop, Rockwell B, and Rockwell C tips are available
• Results: Hardness per sample

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Wear Testing

• Standard: ASTM G–65
• Sand is flowed between a rubber wheel and sample
• Comparative test and is best utilized to compare different materials’ performance under the same testing conditions
• Results: A report detailing the volume loss of the samples

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Furnace and Sintering

Field Assisted Sintering Technologies (FAST) or Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)

• Manufacturer: FCT Systeme GmbH
• Temperatures up to 2100°C
• Pressures up to 80 MPa
• Independent control of pressure and temperature
• Can perform hydrogen reduction within chamber
• Please contact for more information

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Retort Furnace

• Vacuum, nitrogen, air, argon, and hydrogen up to 1150°C
• Small steel walled furnace
• Sample chamber is cylindrical with a 7” diameter and 8” of usable height
• Results: No data to report

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Tube Furnace

• Nitrogen, argon, and hydrogen up to 1500°C
• sample size depends on geometry of sample or powder holder (max height is 1.25 inches)
• Results: No data to report

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