TEACHING         RESEARCH        PUBLICATIONS        EQUIPMENT        CAPSTONE        EVENTS

Equipments

bullet Portable High Resolution Digital Microscope
bullet Weiss Environmental Chamber
bullet Espec Temperature and Humidity Chamber
bullet Miniature Materials Tester Model Minimat 2000
bullet Gabo Qualimeter - Eplexor Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Spectrometer (DMTS)
bullet Rheometric Scientific Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analyser Mk III
bullet Micromet Instruments Eumetric System III Microdielectrometer with MP-1200/QC Minipress
bullet Photomechanics Inc. Portable Engineering Moire Interferometry (PEMI) II
bullet Transfer Molding Press
bullet Atomic Force Microscope
bullet Novocontrol Dielectric Spectrometer
bullet Novocontrol Thermally Stimulated Depolarisation Current Analyser
bullet FTIR and FT Raman
bullet Ultraviolet, UV/VIS Spectroscopy
bullet X-Y-Z dispensing system
bullet TA Dielectric Analyser
bullet Thermomechanical Analyser (TMA)
bullet MTS 810 Elastomer Test System
bullet The Rheometer RS 150

Portable High Resolution Digital Microscope

Keyence Model VH-6300

digi2.jpg (82522 bytes)

Zoom lens 175x, 800x
 

The high resolution digital microscope allows images to be recorded and playback on a 3 1/4" floppy disk. Measurements of distance, area as well as radius can be performed on the image. Output to external monitor via RGB output cable, s-video terminal cable and BNC-pin cable are also available.


Weiss Environmental Chamber

Weiss Technik Cold-Heat-Climate-Test chamber SB11/1000/40

weiss1.jpg (31275 bytes)

Capacity:                               1000 Litres
Temperature range:
         cold-heat operation:     -40 to 180 degree C
         climate operation:        10 to 95 degree C
Humidity range:                      10 to 98 %RH
Temperature constancy
         climate operation:        +/-.1 to +/-.5degree C
         cold-heat operation:     +/-.2 to +/-.5degree C
Humidity constancy:               +/- to +/- %RH
Maximum total load:              200 kg
Cooling rate:                          2.0 degree C/min
Heating rate:                          1.9 degree C/min
Manual, automatic and external operation
Program (125 segments) and fixed value operation
 

The Weiss temperature and humidity chamber is used for moisture absorption studies, conditioning of samples at various temperature and humidity loads and temperature cycling tests with/without bias.


Espec Temperature and Humidity Chamber

Tabai Espec Bench-top Model SH-220

Espec Env-chamber.jpg (23824 bytes)

Capacity:                               21 Litres
Temperature range:              -20 to 130 degree C
Humidity range:                    30 to 95 %RH
Temperature constancy:
               +/-.3 degree C (–20 to 100 degree C)
               +/-.5 degree C (101 to 130 degree C)
Humidity constancy:            +/- %RH
Temperature uniformity:
              +/-.5 degree C (–20 to 100 degree C)
              +/-.8 degree C (101 to 130 degree C)
Humidity uniformity:          +/- %RH
Temperature heat-up rate:
              –20 to 130 within 50 min
Temperature ramp-down rate:
              20 to –20 within 30 min
Manual, automatic and external operation
Program (9 step/1 pattern) & fixed value operation
 

The Tabai Espec bench-top temperature and humidity chamber is used for moisture absorption studies as well as to condition samples at various temperature and humidity loads.


Miniature Materials Tester Model Minimat 2000

Test mode:

Minimat.jpg (32797 bytes)

     Constant rate, stress relaxation, creep
Deformation mode:
     Tensile, compression, 3-point bending
Load range:      0.2 to 200 N
Load beam resolution:      0.1% of full scale
Stepper motor speed:
     0.01 to 99.99 mm per minute
Cross-head travel:
     100 mm (45mm with temperature chamber)
Cross-head speed:      0.01 to 100 mm/s
Drive resolution:        0.15 microns
Sample displacement:
     99.99 mm in 0.15 microns steps
Temperature range:      –50 to 200 degree C
Sample dimensions:
     25 mm max width (20 mm with temp chamber)
Data collection rate:      100Hz
 

The Minimat is a bench-top materials tester, designed to perform tensile, compression and three point bend measurements on small samples. A heated chamber allows testing through glass transition. Simultaneous stress/strain and microscopy measurements of solids allow historical comparison of stress-strain data with observable mechanical changes, for example crack depth and propagation.


Gabo Qualimeter-Eplexor Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Spectrometer (DMTS)

Test mode:

Gabo DMA.jpg (27498 bytes)

     Tensile, compression, single/double shear, 3-point bending, single/double cantilever
Changeable force transducers:
     25N, 150N, 500N.
Temperature range:      -150 to 500 degree C
Frequency range:         0.0001 to 100 Hz
Damping range:           0.0001 to 100
Dynamic displacement control:
     +/-.0025 mm to +/-.5 mm
Static displacement control:
     0.005 mm to 35 mm
 

The Eplexor DMTS is used for dynamic testing of polymers, elastomers, biological materials, glasses, ceramics, metals, foils, fibers, resins, adhesives, pre-pregs, composites, lacquers, coatings. It measures the deformation, force, storage & loss modulus, and tangent delta.


Rheometric Scientific Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analyser Mk III

Test mode:

Rheometrics DMTA.jpg (34206 bytes)

     Tensile, compression, 3-point bending, single/ dual cantilever bending, shear
Force:                                     Up to 13 N
Temperature range:               –150 to 500degree C
Frequency range:                   0.01 to 200 Hz
Damping range:                     0.001 to 9.999
Modulus range (E' / G'):
     104 to 1012 Pa / 103 to 108 Pa
 

The DMTA Mk III measures the viscoelastic properties (specifically modulus and damping) of a wide range of materials from soft solids, films and fibers to composites. Due to its low force value, it is most suitable for small sample dimensions.


Micromet Instruments Eumetric System III Microdielectrometer with MP-1200/QC Minipress

Frequency range:                       0.001 to 100 kHz

Eumetric DEA.jpg (47101 bytes)

Temperature range (Minipress):
          Ambient to 200degree C
Temperature stability:               +/-.5degree C
Max heating rate:
          20 degree C /min (controlled)
          50 degree C /min (uncontrolled)
Max cooling rate (uncontrolled):
          100 degree C /min (Water cooled)
Press pressure (max):               907 kg
Platen dimension:                     10.16 x 20.32 cm
Conductivity options:                Low, mid and high
Sensors (for different conductivity range) Low conductivity, high conductivity, Inter- digitated electrode sensor (IDEX), Tool mount steel (TMS)
 

The Eumetric System III Microdielectrometer with 8 channel multiplexer measures the dielectric permittivity and loss factor, gain and phase, admittance and phase, temperature, capacitance and resistance and offset and range. It is used for material analysis in research laboratories and for real time, on-line monitoring of important process variables such as viscosity, reaction rate, composition and extent of reaction. It is also used for monitoring and controlling polymer and composite processing in aerospace, electronics, plastics, composites, and chemical industries as well as university and government laboratories. The different conductivity options (low, mid and high) allow different sensing ranges, to monitor changes with very fast measurements, and to provide access to controlled experimental environments.


Photomechanics Inc. Portable Engineering Moire Interferometry (PEMI) II

Normal Sensitivity:
          417 nanometers per fringe order
Theoretical Enhanced Sensitivity:
          Up to 100X with fringe shifting
Testing Area:
          1.5mm x 2mm to 45mm diameter circle
Optical Head Size:
          200mm H x 200mm W x 135mm D
 

The PEMI is a unique, powerful tool for quantitative whole-field displacement and strain measurement with high sensitivity. Strain due to thermal or mechanical loading can be measured. PEMI is suitable even for very small or soft components or structures, such as tiny solder joints and polymer layers in microelectronics. Applications in diverse fields include composite materials/structures, ceramics, fracture, residual strain, smart materials/structures and mechanical adhesive joints.


Transfer Molding Press

Fusei Machine Co. Transfer Molding Press Model FSTM125-7Ton-24 Point

FUSEI transfer moulder.jpg (32265 bytes)

Clamp tonnage:                              125 Tons
Transfer tonnage:                           7 Tons
Clamp stroke:                                 270 mm
Transfer stroke:                              350 mm
Ejector stroke:                                0-65 mm
Clamp working pressure:               200 kg/cm2
Transfer working pressure:            112 kg/cm2
Transfer fast speed:                        110 mm/sec
Transfer slow speed:                      0-25 mm/sec
Transfer return speed:                    150 mm/sec
Heater capacity:                             2-12 kW
Motor power:                                 7.5 kW
 

The transfer molding machine uses a monitor type control system including a multi-gang pot (M.G.P) system. Book molds are used in the transfer molding machine for molding tensile strength test specimens, fracture test specimens, adhesion test specimens as well as for spiral flow tests.


Atomic Force Microscope

Shimadzu 3D Surface Tracer, SFT-9800

afm4.jpg (72270 bytes)

Maximum scanning Range (X,Y):
              100 micron X 100 micron
Maximum measuring range (Z):         
              6 micron
Maximum sample size:
              150 micron X 150 micron X 20 micron
 

The AFM measures surface conditions of a surface film such as micro-roughness, difference in surface, dust and flaws. It gives a three dimensional view of the sample surface. AFM also provides the particle analysis. The AFM operates in two modes; "contact mode" and "dynamic mode". These two modes require different kind of cantilevers. The microprobe is located at the tip of the cantilever. The AFM is equipped with a heating and cooling unit, to study the surface changes during heating or cooling the sample. The sample stage is heated or cooled with a temperature program from –90 to 300oC


Novocontrol Dielectric Spectrometer

Temperature:              -150 – 400 degree C

dea-novo4.jpg (39999 bytes)

Frequency:                 0.1e mHz – 10 MHz
Dc-bias:                     0 – 10 V
Sample specification:
     Liquids, solids (powders or films)
Sample geometry:      maximum diameter=40 mm
Measured properties:
     impedance, tand, conductivity, resistivity, permittivity, permeability, capacity, admittance, inductivity
 

The dielectric spectrometer measures minor changes in material properties as it is subjected to a periodic electric field in order to characterize its molecular kinetics. In order to measure as much quantitative data, the system covers a broad frequency and temperature range. Due to the high sensitivity of the measuring system, it is possible to detect transitions that cannot be defined with other techniques. Many key aspects of material properties such as molecular relaxations, phase transitions, conductivity, rate of blending or curing, etc. can be determined by this method.


Novocontrol Thermally Stimulated Depolarisation Current Analyser

Temperature:              -150 – 500 +/-C

dea-novo4.jpg (39999 bytes)

Frequency:                  -250 – 250 V
Sample specification:
     Liquids, solids (powders or films)
Sample geometry:   maximum diameter=40 mm
Measured properties:
     impedance, tand, conductivity, resistivity, permittivity, permeability, capacity, admittance, inductivity

 

TSC experiments:

bullet

Standard TSC (thermally stimulated depolarization current)

bullet

Thermally Stimulated Polarization current

bullet

Isothermal (time domain)

The electrical response current to a polarization voltage or a short applied to the sample electrodes in general is not a constant, but is a value which depends on physical and chemical conditions. The global purpose of WinTSC is to measure, evaluate and display this discrepancy. With TSC techniques, especially dielectric relaxations in polymers can be characterized. Except for ideal resistive compounds, the sample current generally varies with the temperature, time, and other parameters such as polarization voltage.


FTIR and FT Raman

Nicolet Magna-IR 560 E.S.P. FT-IR and FT- Raman Module Includes:

ftir1.jpg (67835 bytes)

    DTGS and InGaAs Detectors
    XT-KBR Extended Range Beamsplitter
    Advanced OMNIC E.S.P. Software
    Series Software
    TQ Analyst Quant Software
Raman and IR Sampling Accessories:
    Specac Golden Gate Heated Diamond ATR  Accessory
    Wotton Liquid Hot Cell for Raman studies
    180+/- Reflective Sampling Optics for Raman
    Spectra-Tech ARK Horizontal ATR Accessory
    Spectra-Tech HT-32 Heated Liquid Cell
   Spectra-Tech Model 300 Specular Reflectance Accessory
    KBr Pellet Press & Dies

 

The Nicolet FT-IR system installed in our Lab is a high-performance spectrometer that meets the most demanding infrared sampling requirements. The Nicolet Magna-IR 560 E.S.P. is a true digitally controlled FT-IR based upon advanced high speed digital signal processing (DSP) technology. In addition to providing the most precise and accurate control of the interferometer moving mirror available in the industry, the DSP allows the system to employ continuous digital dynamic alignment. Dynamic alignment provides exceptional long and short term stability characteristics and optimal spectral peak shapes. In addition, the DSP allows for interactive parameter selection with instant feed-back on changes to scanning velocity, signal gain and optical throughput and real-time system diagnostics. The interferometer provides better than 0.35 cm-1 spectral resolution and a signal to noise ratio of better than 30,000/1 peak-to-peak for one minute measurement time. The system is capable of rapid scan collection of 35 scans/sec.

The Magna-IR 560 is configured to cover the Near and Mid-IR range from 9,600 to 375 cm-1 using an air-cooled source, XT-KBr beam splitter and DTGS detector. The system also includes a FT-Raman Accessory Module with a self-contained Near-IR (1.064 µm) excitation laser. An additional InGaAs detector is mounted within the Magna-IR 560 for the Raman experiment. This provides for measurements of Raman shift from 3,600 to 100 cm-1 Stokes and 300 to 2,000 anti-Stokes. Switching between IR and Raman experiments is computer controlled allowing the user to quickly identify samples that appear similar in the infrared by their Raman spectral characteristics.

The large Magna-IR 560 sample compartment easily handles traditional transmission experiments on films, solids and liquids, however, the capabilities of this system have been enhanced with a number of sampling accessories. These include the HT-32 Heated Liquid Cell which can be programmed to heat samples to a maximum 400degree C. The Model 500 Specular Reflectance Accessory enables measurements to be performed on films and coatings at angles of incidence from 20+/-to 85+/- The ARK Horizontal ATR Accessory is supplied with both flat and trough plate ZnSe crystals which permits the analysis of liquids, pastes, powders, films and solids without the need for tedious sample preparation. The Specac Golden Gate Heated Diamond ATR Accessory allows thermal experiments on a wide range of samples that might otherwise damage the standard ZnSe crystal.

The FT-Raman Module includes gold-coated 180+/-reflective sample optics with computer-controlled optimization of the sample position. The Wotton Liquid Hot Cell can be mounted on this accessory for experiments that require temperatures above ambient.


Ultraviolet, UV/VIS Spectroscopy

Wavelength accuracy: +/-0.3 nm

uv3.jpg (58781 bytes)

Wavelength repeatability: +/-0.1 nm

Discomposition: 0.1 nm less

Stray light: < 0.00008% (220 nm)

                   < 0.00005% (340nm)

Photometric accuracy: +/-0.002(0.5ABS)

                                    +/-0.004(1ABS)

Baseline stability: +/-0.000ABS./H.

Baseline flatness: +/-0.001 ABS.

Noise level: 0.0015ABS. less(500nm)

Application: Transmittance and reflectance measurements.

 

The UV spectroscopy is used for identifying and determining the characteristics of the organic compound. A UV spectrum obtained directly from an instrument is simply a plot of wavelength (or frequency) of absorption intensity (absorbance or transmittance). The data are frequently converted to a graphical plot of wavelength versus the molecular absorption.


X-Y-Z dispensing system

Dispensing machine

xyz7.jpg (49933 bytes)

                    Air pressure: 0-5 kPsi
                    Time: 0-9.999 sec

Heating plate

                    Temperature: 25-200degree C

Dispensing table 

                    X and Y axis length: 0-250 mm
                     Z axis length: 0-50 mm
                     Speed 0-200 mm/s for all three axis

Digital camera

                    Magnification 25x to 175x
                     Monitoring distance 25.5 mm.

Application 

                     Flip chip underfilling.

 

The XYZ dispensing table is used to underfill flip chip on board. It consists of a pneumatic dispensing machine, heating plate and three-axes DC servo motor controller. A digital camera system is used to observe and capture the flow behaviour during the underfilling process.


TA Dielectric Analyser

Frequency range: 0.003Hz-100kHz

TA DEA.jpg (34669 bytes)

Applied voltage: 1 volt
Measured amplitude precision: 0.1%
Phase angle accuracy at 1 kHz: 10-4 radians
Tan delta sensitivity at 1 kHz: 1x10-4
Dielectric constant sensitivity at 1 kHz: 0.01
Dielectric constant range: 1-105
Loss factor range: 0 to 108
Ionic conductivity range: 10-5 to 1010 pmhos/cm
Force setting range: 0-500N
LVDT precision: 1.0 m m
Temperature range: -150-500degree C
Sensors:  parallel plate sensor, sputter coated, ceramic single surface sensor, remote single surface sensor
Temperature Control
   Isothermal stability:  +/-.2degree C
   Optimum heating rate: 0.01degree C/min to 5.0degree C/min
   Optimum cooling rate:
      0.01degree C/min to 10.0degree C/min (Down to ambient)
      1degree C/minto5degree C/min(Down to–150degree C)
   Oven cool: 30 min (down time to 50.00degree C)

Thermomechanical Analyser (TMA): TA Instruments TMA-2940

Temperature range:       -150degree C to 1000degree C

TA TMA.jpg (29639 bytes)

Heating rates:               up to 200degree C/min.
Samples:                      solid, film, fiber or powder form.

Probes:                     standard expansion, penetration,  

                                   micro-expansion, and film/fiber probe

 

The thermo-mechanical analyser measures the change in dimension of the sample with respect to a temperature program. Sample properties such as melting point, softening point, tensile modulus, compression modulus, glass transition, stress relaxation, creep and expansion coefficient are measured.


MTS 810 Elastomer Test System

Load cell capacity:              up to 50kN
Samples:                               flat, round.
Environmental chamber:
       Temperature range:        -34 to +190 degree C
       Relative humidity:         0--100 % RH
Uniaxial extensometer
      Gage length:                   25mm
      Travel range:                 +12.5/-2.5 mm
      Temperature range:       -100 to +175 degree C
      Specimen size:               2.5-14.0 mm diameter or
                                            0.3-12.5 mm thickness
Biaxial extensometer
     Gage length:                    25 mm
     Axial travel:                   +1.2/-1.5 mm
     Traverse travel:             +/-0.5 mm
     Temperature range:        -100 to 150 degree C
     Specimen size:              3-34 mm diameter or
                                           3-51 mm thickness.

 

The MTS 810 is driven by a hydraulic power system and has a loading capacity of up to 50kN. It can be used for constant rate, creep, relaxation, fatigue and fracture experiments. With an environment chamber attached, experiments can be carried out at sub-ambient to high temperatures and with humidity.


 

The Rheometer RS 150

Application:             
       Strain sweep, Frequency sweep, Time sweep, Temperature sweep.
Measuring ranges:                 
       Max. torque:                  150 mNm
       Min. torque:                   0.00005 mNm
        Max. speed:                  100 /min
        Min. speede:                 0.01 CS/min
        Max. Frequency:           100 Hz
        Min. Frequency:            0.0001 Hz
       Number of impulses:     10000000
        Strain resolution:           0.0000006
Specification:
       Autogap, Multiwave, Inertia correction, Micro-stress control, Normal force external optional, Normal force internal 15 N.
Sensor system:
       Parallel plate sensor, Cone and plate sensor

 

Introduction

The rheometer RS 150 is used to measure the visco-elastic behaviour of the fluid and soft solid. It consists of a temperature controller and microprocessor controlling the position of the sensor (Auto-gap). Drive motor with built-in temperature sensor allows compensation for coil heating at high torque. Remote and manually controlled lift with variable speed to preserve the fluid’s structure and ensure reproducible test conditions

Operating manual

Switch on the main switch for the temperature controller and the control unit for the rheometer and start the software.

Time sweep

Select auto-gap for measurement. For parallel plate sensor, select a gap height. Heat the sensor to the required temperature setting and place the sample on the sensor. Move the measuring plate to the required height and start measurement.

Temperature sweep

Select a heating rate and choose thermo-gap for measurement. Place the sample on the sensor. Move the measuring plate to the required height and start measurement.

Frequency Sweep

Select the initial and final frequency. Choose a suitable temperature settings. Place the sample on the sensor. Start measurement.