Nanocomposites Processing & Analytical Laboratory

Nanocomposites Processing & Analytical Laboratory

This laboratory contains equipment for producing hybrid blends of polymer melts and liquid suspensions with different functional fillers of nano- to millimeter-scale size and to fabricate samples for material property characterization. 

Thermal, rheological, static/dynamic-mechanical, and physical properties of polymeric materials can be analyzed in the polymer lab. Surface characterization for wood and polymers can be also performed by measurements of contact angle and surface energy. The degree of cure and adhesive properties of thermosetting polymers can be analyzed using thermal and mechanical properties.

Nanocomposites Processing & Analytical Laboratory

This laboratory contains equipment for producing hybrid blends of polymer melts and liquid suspensions with different functional fillers of nano- to millimeter-scale size and to fabricate samples for material property characterization. 


Dr. Douglas Gardner

Dr. Douglas Gardner

Professor of Sustainable Materials & Technology

Instron 22,000 lb (100kN) Testing Machines

Asylum Research MFP 3D Classic

Inverse Gas Chromatograph (iGC)

Surface Measurement Systems

Electromechanical Actuator Testing Frame

Instron 5966 (2 kip)

Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer Q800

This machine utilizes state-of-the-art, non-contact, linear drive technology to provide precise control of stress.

Dynamic Scanning Calorimeter Q2000

TA Instrument’s top-of-the-line research-grade DSC with unmatched performance in baseline stability, sensitivity, and resolution.

Intelli-Torque Plasti-Corder

A torque rheometer that utilizes the latest developments in CAN Field Bus Technology.

Universal Temperature/Process Controller

1/4 DIN panel mounted auto-tuning controller that can be used for precise control of single loop with two independent outputs field-configurable as direct-acting reverse acting and 2 alarms.

Gemini II Rheometer

Key technical features include a broad torque range that extends to 200mNm and makes the Gemini suitable for a wide range of applications in research and product development.

Dynisco Melt Flow Indexer

Delivers a wide range of data that includes not only melt index values, but also shear stress, shear rate, viscosity, and apparent melt density, as well as testing conditions.

Athena Mini Spray Dyer B-290

The BUCHI Mini Spray Dryer B-290 is easy to operate and can be used with a small number of materials. It is convenient for investigating many operation conditions.

Malvern Mastersizer 2000

It has a wide range of automated sample dispersion units for the measurement of wet and dry samples. These are controlled through SOPs, providing ease of method development and transfer.

Melvern Morphologi G3s

Measures the size and shape of particles using the technique of static image analysis. Fully automated and with integrated dry sample preparation makes it the ideal replacement for costly and time-consuming manual microscopy measurements.

Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope TM 3000

Provides variable accelerating voltage, higher beam current, large stage and chamber, and smaller footprint.

Small Scale Additive Manufacturing

(6) Ultimaker S5s with 870 Safety Enclosure Pro
(2) Modix 120X 3D printers
(2) GigabotX
(1) ZMorth VX