Chemical, Molecular and Structural Characterisation

IR, NMR, Raman, UV/Vis spectroscopy
Compositional and elemental analysis
Molecular weight and molar mass determination via a wide range of techniques
Crystal structure and polymer crystallinity using x-ray and synchrotron radiation
Investigation of polymer morphology and conformation
Optical and electron microscopy, both with a wide range of combined analysis modules
Particle size and zeta-potential analysis of polymers

Mechanical and Physical Properties

Tensile, compressive, impact, hardness, scratch and creep properties
Dynamic thermomechanical analysis
Ultrasonic and x-ray flaw detection systems
Wear, friction and lubrication behaviour
Vibration and damping characteristics
Gas permeation and diffusion in polymers
Finite element analysis of materials in engineering service
Adhesion tests

Solubility and Solution Properties

Dissolution, phase separation, and liquid crystalline behaviour
Rheology and viscoelasticity measurements
Contact angle and wettability measurements

Surface Characterisation

Assessment of surfaces and surface modification by: X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
(XPS), Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and
Chemical Force Microscopy (CFM). LIBS and LA-ICP-MS/AS analysis of surface and bulk properties.

Thermal Behaviour

Melting point, polymer glass transition temperature, thermal conductivity and thermal expansion
Pyrolysis and limiting oxygen index analysis
Differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic thermomechanical analysis.

Chemical Reactivity

Chemical activity with respect to acids, bases, oxidation, and gas adsorption
Electrochemical analysis
Biocompatability (through full tissue culture suite)
Assessment of degradation responses

Electrical and Optical Properties

Conductivity, semiconductivity, light emitting, electromagnetic and microwave properties
Measurement of luminescence and fluorescence responses
Refractive index, reflection and absorption spectra

Please contact us for further details, or to enquire after other techniques you may require.