Use our X-ray diffraction service
Discover the X-ray equipment available in the Physical Structure Characterisation Facility.
Physical Structure Characterisation Facility
We offer the ability to determine a large range of the physical properties of materials using a range of cutting-edge technologies.
X-Ray Diffraction
We have a range of equipment and technical experts to help you gain valuable insight into the arrangement of atoms in crystalline materials.
Using X-Ray Diffraction to help to maintain waste water pipes
Discover how we used Powder X-Ray Diffraction to identify a solid deposit formed in pipelines at a water recycling centre.
Applications notes on X-ray crystallography
Learn about the indexation of powder X-ray diffraction patterns and how wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) is used to study protein fibrils.
Thermal properties and polymer characterisation
We offer services and techniques for thermal analysis in which the relationship between a sample property and temperature is studied.
Use our thermal and polymer characterisation service
Find out about the thermal analysis and polymer characterisation services at the Physical Structure Characterisation Facility.
Another way to measure the glass transition in polymers
Learn how mechanical analysis can be used on polymer powder to detect the glass transition.
Quick and reliable way to determine the amount of volatile matter
Learn how thermogravimetry can be used to determine the amount of volatile matter in a sample.
Application notes on thermal & polymer characterisation
Learn the methods used to characterise polymers and in thermal analysis in general.
Sorption properties
Our Autosorb-iQ-C by Quantachrome Anton Paar determines the surface area, the pore size distribution and the surface activity of solids, in both physisorption and chemisorption modes.
Porous materials network EPoMM opens
Network will find and investigate materials for applications in renewable energy, drug delivery, water purification and more
Use our sorption properties equipment
We have a range of equipment that can be used to measure the sorption properties of an instrument. Find out how they can be used for your experiment.
Application notes on porosity & surface area
Learn about the methods used to determine the BET surface area and the pore size distribution of solids.
Particle analysis
We have three different particle analysis instruments each with their own measurable particle size range capabilities. These are the Nanosight, Zetasizer and Mastersizer. They use Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) to determine particle size distribution and concentration accurately. We offer wet analysis of samples dispersed in solution.
- Nanoparticle characterisation – 10nm – 1000nm [Nanosight NS300]
- Zeta Potential analysis – 3.8nm – 100um [Zetasizer Ultra]
- Particle Size & Concentration – 0.3nm – 10um [Zetasizer Ultra]
- Particle Size Distribution – 0.01um – 3mm [Mastersizer 3000]
- Pycnometer [AccuPyc 1330]
Mercury Intrusion Porosity
To accurately determine the use of a material, it is important to know its porosity: that is, the pore size, pore volume, pore size distribution and density.
Mercury will not spontaneously penetrate pores by capillary action but has to be forced into the pores by externally applied pressure. The Mercury Intrusion Porosimeter uses this non-wetting property of mercury on most substances. Because the size of a substance's pores directly relates to the pressure the Mercury Intrusion Porosimeter needs to apply to achieve penetration, the instrument can calculate the pore size distribution and volume of a material from the pressure versus intrusion data generated. This data is generated using the Micromeritics (Autopore V) instrument. Tests are performed with a sample of up to 2g, depending on the material's pore volume. Samples can be in the form of a powder or, ideally, as one big piece.
About us
We offer users the ability to determine a broad range of the physical properties of materials using a range of cutting-edge technologies. Among other services, we can determine sorption and thermal properties, and characterise the atomic and molecular structures of new materials.
The Physical Structure Characterisation Facility is part of the Research Infrastructure and Facilities department.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Physical Structure Characterisation Facility please get in touch.