Index
Resources and Facilities for Polymer Science
Thermal Analysis
Pyris 1 DSC (differential scanning calorimeter) with low temperature Intracooler IIP, Pyris 1 DSC, DSC7, TGA7 (thermogravimetry) (Perkin-Elmer), Stanton Redcroft high temperature (1500° C) simultaneous DSC and TGA. DSC is used for the study of crystallisation and melting of polymers, crystallinity, glass transitions, reactions, stability and degradation, purity of organic chemicals. Temperature modulated (dynamic) DSC is used to study thermodynamic and kinetic contributions to thermal events. Thermal fractionation is performed by using a step-wise annealing program. TGA is used to study composition, stability and degradation, adsorption-desorption.
Mechanical Testing
Dynamic mechanical analysis (Perkin-Elmer {Seiko} Diamond DMA, Perkin-Elmer DMA7e, Rheometrics DMTA III) and dielectric thermal analyser (Micromeritics DEA). DMA is used to study the combined effects of temperature, frequency and all types of static and dynamic forces on polymers. Many standard tests can be performed using various sample geometries and clamping orientations on very small samples. Examples include stress-strain, dynamic moduli-temperature, creep recovery, stress relaxation, softening temperature and time-temperature superposition master-curves. DEA is used to study the effect of electrical force on polymers and can be used to measure temperature transitions and reactions.
Instron Universal Mechanical Test Instrument 4465 has various fittings for large and small tensile, bending, compression, adhesion, stress relaxation tests. Other test instruments include Izod and Charpy impact. For performing all types of mechanical tests 5 kN and 100 N load cells. Mainly used for testing plastics, fibres, films, composites, elastomers, adhesives.
Microscopy
Optical microscope (Nikon Labophot 2) with programmed hot stage and digital image capture and computer image analysis and enhancement, phase contrast, polarised light, video system, video printer, digital photographic accessories. Sample preparation facilities including a microtome and expertise with etching. Access to the RMIT Electron Microscopy Suite with scanning electron microscopy (SEM, ESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Surface Energy Measurement
Contact angle instrument (Data Physics) with static and dynamic contact angle, heated stage for melted polymers/materials, automatic fitting of droplet contours and calculation of surface energy polymer and dispersive components using various models.
X-ray Diffraction
Small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) (Bruker AXS Nanostar and Bruker AXS D8 Discover). SAXS for study of particulate dispersions, crystalline ordering and morphology. WAXS for study of molecular structures and crystal formations.
Infrared Spectroscopy
FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectrometers (Perkin-Elmer 2000, 1725x, 1750) with mid- and near-IR, IR microscope, full range of sampling accessories for reflectance and transmission applications. FTIR is used for analysis and identification of polymers and other components of polymer formulations such as plasticisers, fillers and surface modifiers.
Mixing and Processing of Polymers
Extruder (Axon B12) with strand die, extrudate conveyor and pelletiser, strip die with calender rollers. The special Gateway screw provides efficient mixing. Used to prepare pellets of desired compositions and films for mechanical testing and other analyses.
Molecular Modelling
Simulation of real molecules and calculation of properties from properties of atoms and the interactions between them. The programs used are:
- CAChe (Computer Aided Chemistry)
- Chem Office (Chem3D, ChemDraw, ChemFinder)
- Accelerys Insight II and Cerius Polymer Modelling Software
These programs use similar basic tools: molecular mechanics, dynamics, MOPAC. Used to provide models of molecules of interest and calculate properties. - Finite Element Analysis
- Nastran software for finite element analysis applied to the mechanical properties of polymer blends, composites and structures.
Other Facilities
- Ubelhode solution viscometry (Schott-Gerate automated system) with dilution control, photo-detector flow readings and computer control and data analysis.
- Cryogenic and ambient grinding and cutting apparatus for preparation of small particles size materials.
- Temperature programmed hydraulic press, large heated hydraulic press.
- Temperature programmed ovens, vacuum oven.
- Polymer synthesis - extensive range of polymerisation reactors.
- Rheometers (Rheometrics), stress and strain controlled rheometers, Brookfield rheometer.
- Mass spectroscopy - techniques for direct high molar mass (polymer) analysis using MALDI TOF, and GC-mass spectrometers.
- NMR - multidimension C and H spectroscopy techniques, variable temperature and multi-element probe.