Materials Research Laboratory

The Materials Lab is equipped to enable advanced materials research, modeling and testing of new materials and structures made from them. Of particular interest are nano-structured and lightweight aerospace materials and devices.

Equipment

• Bruker TI980 Nano-characterization system (SPM and optical microscopes, indentation, scratch, wear and nanoDMA modules. Hot stage nanoindentation up to 800 C.)
• Bruker X-ray micro-CT scanner
• FEI quanta scanning electron microscope (SEM): This unit offers surface analysis (microstructure, failure, quality control, measurements), as well as element analysis with the EDS and EDX attachment.
• Chemical vapor deposition CVD systems
• Magnetron sputtering system (PVD)
• TPS - Transient Plane Source from HotDisk, inc. (thermal conductivity, diffusivity, specific heat capacity, etc.)
• Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA)
• Ex-One powder jetting metal 3-D printer
• Markeforged Mark Two composite printer
• Sample prep tools and equipment (cutting saws, polishing and grinding)
• Micro hardness tester
• High temperature heat treatment vacuum furnace (up to 1,400 Celsius)
• Drying vacuum furnace (up to 350 Celsius)
• Phillips inverted optical metallurgical microscope