The materials have different characteristics depending on the use that is applied, but in technical terms they can be divided into natural materials and artificial materials. So we can test the behavior and understand the better way to use them in our life.
The infrastructure aims to offer competitive services, including research oriented and advanced training on different analyses. Services to internal and external users are provided, following the procedures in place for the respective contexts, thus contributing for scientific dissemination and transfer of knowledge to diverse audiences.
About Particles Characterization
Density tests
Helium pycnometer analyses allows you measure the true density in dry samples of powder, solid parts, foams and other solid materials using proven theory and scientific laws with only gas helium. It does not allow densities in liquids and pasts. Cells volumes and sizes Micro 4,5cm3 – 15,20 x 22,10cm, Meso 1,8cm3 - 13,14 x 8,3cm and Nano 0,25cm3 - 8 x 4,4cm 10 mg).
Particle size analysis in water
Wet Particle Size Distribution, Coulter is applicable to particles sizes ranging from approximately 0.04µm to 2mm. For spherical and non-spherical particles, a size distribution is reported, where the predicted scattering pattern for the volumetric sum of spherical particles matches the measured scattering pattern. This is because the technique assumes a spherical particle shape in its optical model. For non-spherical particles the resulting particle size distribution is different from that obtained by methods based on other physical principles (e.g. sedimentation, sieving). The particle size calculation is based on Fraunhofer, Mie and PIDS models.
Particle Size Analysis in dry, water and another solvent
Wet and Dry Particle size, determination of particle size distribution analysis based on the principle of laser diffraction. The particle size calculation is based on Fraunhofer and Mie models. Measurements are performed with the sample dispersed in water, acetone or ethanol. Tests are also carried out by the dry route only. Depending of density material ~10mg.
Surface Area Analysis
Surface Area Analyser mesoporos, BET, BJH and T-Plot, determination of specific surface area, adsorption and desorption curves with pore volume and size in N2-degassing of samples up to 300ºC. Minimum sample 100mg.
Surface Area Analyser mesoporos and microporos, BET, BJH, T-Plot, DFT determination of specific surface area, adsorption and desorption curves with pore volume and size in N2-degassing of samples up to 400ºC under vacuum. Minimum sample 100mg.
Particle Size DLS and Zeta Potential Analysis
Particle Size DLS/Zeta Potential, determination of particle size distribution analysis based on dynamic light scattering. With a specific cell, we can also measure the electrophoretic mobility as a function of the pH of the solution thus is define zeta potencial. The measurement range is from 0.3nm to 10mm.
Moisture Measurement
Moisture balance, measure the moisture content or de percentage of solids in powder, pasts or slurries. Minimum quantity: 5-10g of powder or 5-10ml of slurry.
Services are provided for all the above techniques depending on previous authorization by the scientific coordinator. Booking is mandatory and no more than 5 samples are accepted per researcher unless duly discussed with the scientific coordinator.
Scientific coordinator together with the technical staff advise and clarify issues for all techniques, though researchers should provide preliminary information regarding the conditions under which analyses should be carried out.
Submit the form below with your enquiry or contact Célia Miranda
Filipe Oliveira
Scientific Coordinator
Principal Investigator of the University of Aveiro (Dep. of Materials and Ceramic Engineering). His research has been focused on advanced ceramic-metal composites for structural applications as well as CVD micro and nanocrystalline diamond coatings for tribological and bio-tribological applications and more recently for microelectrodes used in corrosion studies. He is also involved in the production of carbon nanotubes using CVD techniques and on the application of laser floating zone for high-temperature materials.
Célia Miranda
Laboratory Technician
Instruments
Helium pycnometer, Anton Paar APA_SP Ultrapic 500 micro
Room 9.1.24
Malvern, Zetasizer Nano ZS
Room 9.1.35
Micromeritics, Gemini II BET, BJH, T-plot and size of mesoporos
Room 9.1.26
Quanthacrome, IQ2, BET, BHJ, T-plot, DFT and size of microporos
Room 9.1.26
Moisture Balance, AE Adam Equipment, AMP310 for powder, pasts and slurries
Room 9.1.24
Coulter, LS 230
9.1.35
Horiba, LA 960V2
Room 9.1.35