Nanomaterials

MSG has been active in the currently fashionable arena of nanomaterials for many years! We have, for example, a wealth of experience in the use of electron microscopy techniques to study the structure and composition of nano-scaled catalyst particles, or the internal morphology of multiphase polymer blends.

Developments in nanotechnology are concerned with two issues - the design and manufacture of small particles (with the current definition of a nanoparticle including anything smaller than about 0.1 microns), and the incorporation of these particles in a controlled manner into a liquid or solid carrier matrix. Of course the purpose is to produce materials where the inclusion of the nanoparticles leads to an improvement of the physical properties of the final materials. Areas of interest include the use of inorganic fillers for the toughening of plastics, the incorporation of conductive particulates such as carbon nanotubes to produce antistatic or electrically conductive composites, and the use of nanoclays to improve the barrier properties of films or coatings.

NanoParticles

• Analysis of particle size and morphology using electron microscopy
• Application of image analysis to generate quantitative information on size and shape distributions.
• Carbon nanotubes analysis using raman spectroscopy to monitor tube diameter and sample purity, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and elemental analysis to provide information on sample purity or catalyst residue content.
• Coating analysis using spectroscopic techniques, or by surface analysis.

Nanodispersions
Optimum properties are dependent on achieving uniform dispersion (lack of aggregation), and sometime also on the control of orientation.

• Use of techniques such as electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods to characterise the composite morphology, and quantify aspects of homogeneity or orientation.
• Development of on-line measurements, as part of a manufacturing process.

Processing Nanomaterials
The inclusion of nanoparticles into a polymer matrix will have a major impact on the processability of that material. We can use a combination of fundamental rheological measurements and lab-scale processing equipment to study the relationships between filler content and optimum processing conditions.

• Mechanical properties (e.g. toughness, scratch resistance or impact strength)
• Optical performance (clarity, reflectance, refractive index)
• Use of laser diffraction PCCS (Photo Cross Correlation Spectroscopy) to characterise particle size distribution within the dispersion and to follow dispersion stability.
• Electrical properties (conductivity, charge dissipation).

MSG is actively involved in a number of current UK activities in the area of nanotechnology, including participation in the UK MNT (Micro and NanoTechnology) network and membership of the NanoTechnologies Industries Association (NIA).

Our Surface Science team offers a world class capability in XPS and SIMS, which in tandem with an internationally recognised physical property measurement laboratory, can be brought to bear on many materials challenges - especially in adhesion and adhesives development.

Our Physical Properties laboratory offers fracture mechanics, high speed impact, fatigue, creep and other long term property determination, including novel and highly instrumented wear, lubricity, friction and scratch techniques, which are all supported with X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, electron, optical and laser scanning microscopies to support fracture and property understanding.

In short, we have the capability to undertake the most demanding materials science projects using the optimum tools for each particular job.