Electromaterials Facility

For battery and cell testing and research studies

• Potentiostats and impedance analysers
• Scanning electrochemical probes
• Potentiostatic battery test banks
• Array electrode systems
• Rotating ring disk electrodes
• Custom designed electrochemical and flow cells

For materials imaging and analysis

• Electron Microscope Facility 
• Optical profilometer
• ATR-FTIR spectrometer

To manufacture and assemble electrodes and coin cells for testing, including an argon glovebox laboratory.

For preparation and synthesis of novel chemical compounds and electrolytes.

• Viscometer
• Conductivity measurements
• Karl Fisher titrator

Our TA Q800 Dynamic Mechanical Analyser can determine the mechanical properties for a wide range of materials. In particular viscoelastic polymers and composites. Normally tests are performed in tension but the Q800 has several other fixtures to perform tests such as '3 point bend' and flexure testings.

Specifications

• Maximum force: 18 N
• Minimum force: 0.0001 N
• Force resolution: 0.00001 N
• Strain resolution: 1 Nanometer
• Modulus range: 103 to 3x1012 Pa
• Modulus precision: ± 1%
• Tan δ sensitivity: 0.0001
• Tan δ resolution: 0.00001
• Frequency range: 0.01 to 200 Hz
• Deformation range: ± 0.5 to 10,000 µm
• Temperature range: -150 to 600°C
• Heating rate: 0.1 to 20°C/min
• Cooling rate: 0.1 to 10°C/min
• Isothermal stability: ± 0.1°C
• Website: www.tainstruments.com

The IFM research group has two types of Differential Scanning Calorimeters, heat flux (Netzsch) and power compensating (Perkin Elmer). These units are essential for the study of decomposition, phase change and melting points or metals and polymers.

Netzsch 407 PC Luxx

Specifications

• Temperature range: -120°C ... 1650°C
• Heating and cooling rates: 0.01 K/min ... 50 K/min (dependent on furnace)
• Weighing range: 18000 mg
• TG resolution: 2 µg
• DSC resolution: 1 µW (dependent on sensor)
• Atmospheres: inert, oxidizing, reducing, static, dynamic
• Vacuum: tight assembly up to 10-2 mbar
• Induction: One theory and two practical sessions

Perkin Elmer Diamond

Specifications

• DSC type: Power-compensation temperature null principle. Measures temperature and energy directly, rather than differential temperature (DT)
• DSC cell: independent dual furnaces constructed of platinum-iridium alloy with independent platinum resistance heaters and temperature sensors with furnace mass less than 1g
• Temperature sensors: Distributed platinum resistance thermometers for best linearity
• Atmosphere: Static or dynamic, including nitrogen, argon, helium, carbon dioxide, air, oxygen or other inert or active gases, over full temperature range. Oxygen can be used up to 730°C which allows easy cleaning
• Temperature range: -170°C to 730°C. 
  Accuracy / Precision ±0.1°C / ±0.01°C
• Calorimetry: Accuracy / Precision <±1% / <±0.1%
  Sensitivity 0.2µW
  Dynamic range 0.2µW to 800mW
• Isothermal digit (10 min) -150°C / 100°/c < 15 µW / < 10 µW
• Scanning rates: Heating / cooling 0.01°C to 500°C/min
• Temperature overshoot: 100°C/min<0.1°C
• Cooling times: Ambient coolant 725°C to 100°C (under 4 minutes)
• Liquid N2 coolant: 200°C to -150°C (under 2 minutes)

For micro surface imaging and solution testing

• Bruker AVANCE III 500 MHz wide bore
• Bruker AVANCE III 500 MHz standard bore
• Bruker AVANCE III 300 MHz wide bore
• JEOL Eclipse+ 400MHz
• JEOL EX 270 MHz

At the Australian Synchrotron and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.