Expertise
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
Intertek MSG has recently invested in instruments specifically designed to measure the size distribution of dispersed nano-particles. These are the PCCS, Photon Cross Correlation Spectroscopy, and the CPS Disc Centrifuge instruments. When coupled with the existing laser diffraction technique and the array of microscopy techniques mentioned on this page this makes the Laboratory very attractive to producers and users of nanomaterials.
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.
Physical Properties and Product Performance
- Mechanical properties (e.g. toughness, scratch resistance or impact strength)
- Optical performance (clarity, reflectance, refractive index)
- 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).
