Linear thermal expansion of solids with a rod dilatometer

X-Ray Reflectometry (XRR) analysis is used to measure the density (g/cm3), thickness (nm), and roughness (nm) of thin films. The method is applicable to the characterization of single- or multilayered thin films, as it provides information on the thickness and density of individual layers of the sample material as well as the roughness of the interphases. Greatest accuracy for XRR thickness measurements is generally achieved for samples containing 1-150 nm thick surface layers with under 5 nm RMS roughness. Thicker films and coatings with rougher surfaces can also be characterized, but the accuracy of thickness determination decreases as the thickness and roughness of the film or film stack increase. >150 mm wafers are typically cut to fit the sample holder. Please let us know if you need testing for larger wafers that cannot be cut into pieces. The available temperature range for XRR measurements is 25-1100 °C, and crystallinity can be studied as a function of temperature. The measurements can be performed under a normal atmosphere, inert gas, or vacuum. Measurements are typically performed using one of the following instruments: Rigaku SmartLab, Panalytical X'Pert Pro MRD, Bruker D8 Discover. Please let us know if you have a preference for a specific instrument.

Tensile tests according to ASTM E21 and ISO 6892-2 are used to determine the mechanical properties of metals and alloys at elevated temperatures. The tests are performed at temperatures up to 1,000 °C. The results include data on multiple properties, including tensile strength, yield strength, and elastic modulus. Please specify the desired testing temperature, strain rates, and the standard you wish the tests to be performed by when requesting a quote. Standard samples should be a minimum of 75 mm in length and 5 mm in diameter, although smaller samples can be tested upon request. The machining of samples can be included in the analysis project. We also offer tensile tests at room temperature.

Creep testing is used to monitor the amount of deformation under a constant load over a set period. It allows us to determine how much a material will deform under a specific load at a given temperature. Stress rupture testing is used to determine the time required for a fracture to occur under constant stress. It provides information on how long a material will last under specific loads and temperatures. Both of these tests are essential in determining the material's load-carrying capacity. The tests are performed according to ISO 204 or ASTM E139 standards at temperatures up to 1,250 °C. There are several testing options under ISO 204 and ASTM E139: Uninterrupted creep tests, where elongation is monitored continuously, Interrupted creep tests, where elongation is measured periodically, Stress rupture tests, where the time to fracture is measured, Verification tests to confirm that the material withstands a given force for a predetermined time without fracturing. Pricing depends on the temperature, load, and test duration. Please contact our experts for a quote.

The Charpy impact test is a standardized test used to measure the impact toughness of a material during fracture. Testing is performed according to the ISO 148-1 standard and can be conducted at temperatures as low as -193 °C. A V-shaped or U-shaped notch is created in the sample, after which a pendulum is used to break it. The test measures how much energy the material absorbs before fracturing, giving insight into the material's ability to withstand sudden impacts.

Tensile tests are the most common way to determine the tensile strength, ductility, and toughness of a material. The tests are performed according to ASTM E8/E8M and ISO 6892-1 standards. The results include data on multiple properties, including tensile strength, yield strength, and modulus of elasticity. Standard samples require a minimum 75 mm length and 5 mm diameter, although smaller samples can be measured upon request. The machining of samples can be included in the analysis. We also offer tensile tests at elevated temperatures.

Magnetometry provides information on the magnetic properties of the sample material as a function of the magnetic field. A vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), also referred to as a Foner magnetometer, is used in the measurement. According to Faraday’s Law of Induction, a changing magnetic field will produce an electric field, which can be measured to obtain information about the magnetic field. Magnetometry is suitable for thin films, bulk materials, liquids, and powders. Some of the properties that VSM can measure include magnetic moment, coercivity, and hysteresis loops. Low-temperature VSM can also be used to confirm the Meissner effect in superconducting thin films, including those developed for quantum computing applications. Projects are priced on a case-by-case basis, with lower per-sample prices for large sample sets. Please contact us for a quote.

Indentation hardness testing measures a material's ability to resist plastic deformation. We offer 3 different types of tests: Brinell hardness testing (ISO 6506-1), Vickers hardness testing (ISO 6507-1), Rockwell hardness testing (ISO 6508-1). These methods work by pressing a standard-sized test head into the sample and measuring either the size of the indentation or the penetration depth of the indentation tip. Each method is suitable for all types of metals and alloys.

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is a mechanical testing method used to characterize material properties as a function of temperature, time, frequency, stress, and atmosphere, or a combination of these parameters. DMA measures parameters for stiffness and damping. These are reported as moduli (stiffness) and loss tangent (damping). The moduli can be further divided into the storage modulus (E’) and loss modulus (E’’), which are the elastic and viscous components of the material, respectively. The ratio of loss modulus to storage modulus is a measure of the material's damping capacity. DMA can be used to study the following properties: Viscoelastic properties (E', E'', tan(δ)), Glass transition temperature (Tg), Secondary transitions (β & γ), Crystallization, Melting, Curing kinetics, Damping, Creep and stress relaxation, Mechanical properties (especially useful for small/complex samples), Long-term behaviour with Time-Temperature Superposition. The most common deformation modes are tensile, bending (3-point and cantilever), compression, and shear. The chosen deformation mode, conditions, and material properties selected for study will determine the difficulty and cost of the analysis.

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is an additive used in diesel-powered vehicles to help the catalytic reduction of nitrous oxides. Thus, the use of AdBlue and other exhaustive fluids improves ambient air quality. DEF testing package according to ISO 22241:2019 includes the measurements listed below: Urea content (ISO 22241-2C), Density at 20 °C (EN ISO 12185) , Refractive index at 20 °C (ISO 22241-2C), Alkalinity as NH₃ (ISO 22241-2D), Biuret (ISO 22241-2E), Aldehydes (ISO 22241-2F), Insoluble matter (ISO 22241-2G), Phosphate (ISO 22241-2H), Determination of Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, and Zn content (ISO 22241-2I).

This test is used to evaluate the color fastness of dyed or printed paper or board that is intended to come into contact with food. The applied simulants are Olive oil, 3% acetic acid, Alkaline salt solution (saliva simulant), Distilled water. Color transfer is assessed against a greyscale according to standard EN 646.