Research capabilities
Microscopy
From low magnification optical microscopy to high resolution electron
microscopy it is possible to image surfaces and provide valuable
information on the surface topography, such as pitting, micro-cracking,
deformation and delamination.
Surface Chemistry and Composition
Surface analysis techniques deliver chemical analysis of the surface and
sub-surface layers, including elemental composition, chemical bonding,
molecular species and elemental distribution as function of depth.
Analytical Techniques
Thermal Analysis
Thermal Analysis is the application of a precision controlled
temperature program to a material and measurement of the response of
that material. This response may be a weight loss, change of shape or
hardness, change in electrical properties, or other measurable response
which is directly affected by the applied temperature or heating rate.
Typical industry materials tested include polymers, plastics,
composites, rubber, pharmaceuticals, food liquids and solutions, oils,
coal, and other materials which have distinctive thermal characteristics
within the -150oC to +900oC temperature range.
Rheology
The Wark has a range of shear rate-controlled (Brookfield, Haake CV 20 and
VT 550), stress-controlled (Rheometrics SR5000 and TA Rheolyst AR1000) and
capillary rheometers (made by the IWRI). These enable detailed
characterisation of Non-Newtonian Fluids (polymer solutions and melts,
suspensions, emulsions and foams, etc.), including the determination of flow
curves (viscosity vs shear rate), yield stress values, dynamic (oscillatory)
measurements of viscoelasticity, thixotropy, normal forces, pipe flow, etc.
A wide range of sample sensors (couette, parallel plate, cone and plate) and
sample handling capabilities (temperature and pressure) are available.
Plasma Polymerisation
Plasma polymerisation is an emerging, versatile and evolving technology. To
optimise conditions for specific applications, specialised knowledge and
expertise in fields such as elastomer compound formulation, surface
engineering, process control and surface analysis. Access to a wide range of
highly sophisticated plasma processing and analytical facilities such as XPS,
TOF-SIMS, AFM, SEM and mTA are also essential. The Wark has the knowledge
base, equipment and facilities required to conduct such a demanding project.
Other forms of analysis provided at The Wark include:
Photo Acoustic Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, PA-FTIR: Scans in the infrared range and allows identification of some chemical groups. The testing provides information on chemical bonds and some molecular structures.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, FTIR: Scans in the infrared range and allows identification of some chemical groups. The testing provides information on chemical bonds and some molecular structures.
UV Weathering: Simulates outdoor performance by exposure of samples to prescribed accelerated weathering cycles.
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, XPS: Uses X-rays to analyse near surface chemical composition and make-up. The testing provides surface composition analysis.
Tensile Testing: Measures the tensile strength of the material exposed to different deformations.
Micro Thermal Analysis: It images a sample in terms of its topography, relative thermal conductivity and (in part) on relative thermal diffusivity with local thermal analysis.