Materials Synthesis and Processing
Equipment and methods invovled in the fabrication and processing of novel biomimetic and nanostructured materials.
NanoNC Composite Electro Spinner
The NanoNC Composite Electrospinner features a unique dual‐head nozzle system with multi‐axis robots enabling 2‐solution coaxial electrospinning of synthetic nanofibers. A variety of materials can be spun, producing both homogeneous nanofibers and core‐shell composite fibers, through the use of two collectors, the flat plate and the rotating drum. The NanoNC Electrospinner provides full control of various operating parameters including drum rotating speed, working distance and angle, precursor feeding rate, and voltage fields. Currently, this equipment is used to spin highly oriented nanofibers with controlled dimensions, porosities, and surface morphologies.
Aerotech Direct-Drive Gantry System for Direct Ink Write Printing
Our custom AGS1000 Cartesian gantry systems puts Aerotech’s core technologies and extensive manufacturing capability to work towards Direct Ink Write printing, providing outstanding performance in additive manufacturing. Aerotech gantries are designed for applications including high-speed pick-and-place, automated assembly, vision inspection, dispensing stations and high-accuracy inspection.
3D Printers
Our lab is equipped with multiple FDM 3D printers from companies such as Ultimaker and Bambu as well as SL printers from FormLabs.
Allied MultiPrep™ Precision Polishing System
The MultiPrep™ System enables precise semiautomatic sample preparation of a wide range of materials for microscopic (optical, SEM, FIB, TEM, AFM, etc.) evaluation.
Capabilities include parallel polishing, angle polishing, site-specific polishing or any combination thereof. It provides reproducible results by eliminating inconsistencies between users, regardless of their skill.
Dual micrometers (pitch and roll) allow precise sample tilt adjustments relative to the abrasive plane. A rigid Z-indexing spindle maintains the predefined geometric orientation throughout the grinding/polishing process. Digital indicators enable quantifiable material removal, which can be monitored real-time, or preset for unattended operation. Variable speed rotation and oscillation maximize the use of the entire grinding/polishing disc and minimize artifacts. Adjustable load control expands its capability to handle a range of small (delicate) to large samples.
Composites Prototyping
Our lab is heavily involved in composites production which includes a fiber cutting station and composites fabrication bench equipped with materials for wet layup, vacuum assisted infusions and prepreg composite production. We have the capabilities of producing a variety of curved structures and flat panels 1 meter 1 meter.
Ovens and Furnaces
Our ovens and furnaces range from small to large with a plethora of tube furnaces and muffle furnaces as well as 4 large convection ovens capable of reaching 1000+ °C.
Centrifuges and Mixers
For chemical synthesis, our lab has a variety of centrifuges and mixers from ThermoScientific, Thinky, and
