Physical, Structural and Microstructural Analysis

X-ray tomography is a non-destructive imaging technique that combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles to produce a 3D reconstruction of a specimen. It is primarily used for investigating internal defects such as cracks and porosity.

Key features:

• Equipped with two X-ray cameras:
  • CMOS flat-panel detector: For large, dense samples requiring high-energy X-rays and a wide field of view
  • CCD camera: For small, porous materials requiring submicron resolution
• Integrated with a complete software suite:
  • NRecon and CTAn software for morphological analysis, porosity, surface/volume rendering, and particle/size distribution

This system is ideal for detailed analysis of internal structures and defects in materials.

Bruker XRT Skyscan 2211

X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is a non-destructive technique used to identify and characterise crystalline materials within solid or powdered samples. It is commonly applied for studying material morphology, crystallinity, phase identification, grain orientation, and crystallite size and shape.

Key features:

• X-ray tube with a Cu target for generating characteristic Kα X-rays
• High-intensity Ka1,2 Parallel Beam and high-resolution Ka1 Parallel Beam
• 100% Fe-fluorescence filtering with Cu radiation
• Co source available for metal samples
• Ambient stage: Allows analysis of up to 9 samples in a single sequence
• Hot/cold stage: Analyses samples between –150°C and 450°C
• XYZ stage: Enables large-area mapping of samples up to 5 kg and 300 mm in size
• Capillary mounts stage: For analysing air-reactive samples
• Analysis EVA software: With ICDD PDF database functionality for data reduction, peak analysis, phase identification, quantification, and crystallinity measurements
• Specialised sample holders enable easy testing of both solid and powder samples.

Bruker XRD D8 Advance

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a non-destructive technique used to investigate the microstructure and morphology of materials.

Key features:

• Resolution: Down to 20 μm
• Coating device: Quorum Q150R ES for carbon and gold coating of samples
• Elemental analysis: Coupled with Bruker EDS system and QUANTAX 70 software for element mapping

This system is ideal for detailed surface analysis and element identification of a wide range of materials.

Hitachi Tabletop Microscope TM3030

The BET surface area analyser is a non-destructive technique used to determine the specific surface area of materials based on gas adsorption. It also provides quantitative data on other textural properties such as pore size, total pore volume, and pore size/volume distribution.

Key features:

• Pore size range: < 13 nm
• Equipped with a sample pre-treatment device that dries up to three samples in parallel under elevated heat (up to 300°C) and vacuum conditions
• Saturation pressure tube and 30-hour LN dewar for stable measurements
• Gas inlets: Two for adsorptive gases and one for He for free space
• Specialised sample holders for easy testing of both solid and powder samples

This system is ideal for characterising the surface and pore structure of materials.

Micromeritic TriStar II

The Mercury Porosimeter uses pressurized mercury to measure pore sizes (ranging from 0.005 μm to 360 μm), porosity, and bulk density in materials.

Key features:

• Equipped with two low-pressure ports and one high-pressure chamber
• Specialised sample holders for easy testing of both solid and powder samples

This technique provides detailed analysis of pore structure and material density.

Micromeritic AutoPore IV 9500

The Rheometer is an analytical technique used to determine the viscosity of solid/liquid materials under elevated temperatures.

Key features:

• Integrated EC motor with air bearing for smooth operation
• Analyses samples between –150°C and 1000°C
• Force sensor and high-resolution optical encoder for precise measurements
• TruRate™ sample-adaptive controller: Measures torques < 2 nNm in both rotation and step strain
• Automatic gap control (AGC/AGS) with a steel frame to optimise mechanical and thermal stiffness, minimizing torsional and axial compliance

This system is ideal for studying material flow properties under varying conditions.

Anto Paar compact MCR502 Rheometer