Soft Matter Characterization

The MultiMode-8 AFM with NanoScope V controller and J-scanner delivers atomic-scale surface imaging with outstanding stability and resolution. Equipped with ScanAsyst® automatic image optimization and a newly upgraded camera system, it enables user friendly operation, reliable setup, and high-quality, high speed data acquisition for both expert and new users.

Capabilities/Accessories

• NanoScope 8 controller
• Offers high-speed data capture (50MHz)
• Captures up to eight images simultaneously
• High-pixel-density images (5000 x 5000)

Operational Modes

• Contact Mode
• Tapping Mode
• PeakForce tapping mode
• Quantiative Nanomechanical Mapping (PFQNM)

Sample requirements

AFM samples are attached to 1.0 cm metallic disks. Samples should not exceed the size of the disk and must be less than 8 mm thick. The maximum scan scanning size is 120 microns x 120 microns and the maximum height is 2.5 microns.

User requirements

• New and non-experienced people wanting to get AFM training, need to take AFM PhD course (KZ41005), study AFM theory, and pass to quiz in order to be given hands on training.
• Users need to provide their own tips that are appropriate for their application.

Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA 850, TA Instruments) measures the dynamic mechanical properties of materials under oscillating stress, revealing how stiffness and damping change with temperature, frequency, or time. It is used to determine glass transition temperature (Tg), damping factor (tan δ), secondary transitions, creep, stress relaxation, and viscoelastic behavior, providing key insights into polymer, composite material properties. The DMA850 uses software-controlled experiment procedures within the TRIOS software with a range of testing modes: Oscillation Modes including Frequency sweep, strain sweep, stress sweep, temperature sweep, temperature ramp, time sweep, and fatigue tests. And Transient Modes including Stress Control: Creep, creep-recovery, IsoStress. Strain Control: Stress relaxation, IsoStrain. Rate Control: Strain ramp, stress ramp.

Capabilities/Accessories

• Maximum Force 18 N
• Minimum Force 0.0001 N
• Force Resolution 0.00001 N
• Frequency Range 0.001 to 200 Hz
• Dynamic Deformation Range ±0.005 to 10,000 μm
• Strain Resolution 0.1 nm
• Modulus Range 103 to 3×1012 Pa
• Modulus Precision ± 1%
• Tan δ Sensitivity 0.0001
• Tan δ Resolution 0.00001
• Temperature Range Standard Furnace: -160°C to 600°C
• RH Accessory 5°C to 120°C

The Instron 5960 dual column table top is a universal testing machine for the determination of the mechanical properties of ceramic, metal and polymer based samples in tensile, compression, bending modes. The machine is compatible with Bluehill Universal Software for test control, data acquisition, and reporting. They also feature a control panel for enhanced usability.

Capabilities/Accessories

• Load cells: 10 kN, 1 kN, 100 N.
• Tensile grips: Pneumatic grips for soft materials and elastomers, Wedge grips for rigid materials, thin film grips.
• Compression platen.
• 3-point bending fixture.
• Video extensiometer (with digital image correlation (DIC) integration).
• Temperature chamber (-100 to 350°C).
• Temperature controlled bath with pneumatic tensile grips and compression platens.

DSA is a high-end device and ideal for accurate measurements of static surface and interfacial tension, contact angles, and drop shapes of materials with the phases of solid, liquids, emulsions etc. The instrument measures surface chemical properties of materials such like coatings, surfactants, polymers, and studies for interfaces of colloids. ADVANCE the software integrated programs for wettability, surface energy, and also dynamic behavior studies, making complex analyses simple and fast and statistically significant.

Capabilities/Accessories

• Accurate dosing and varies of modules and implemented methods
• Reliable drop shape by the double sessile drop dosing unit.

The Force Tensiometer – K100 conducts high-precision measurement of surface and interfacial tension, critical micelle concentration (CMC) and contact angle on materials of liquids, colloids, solid, powers, fibers. The automation program and the configuration of K100 enable excellent reproducibility of data. Ideal for accurate dynamic wettability and surface properties analysis of range of materials.

Capabilities/Accessories

• Multiple methods, modules, customizable automation program (Wilhelmy plate, Du Noüy ring)
• Dynamic surface free energy and surface tension measurements