[nanoPost] Nanometrology

Research Centre UK

With a fundamental understanding of the behaviour of materials and many unique facilities we are able to characterise performance at the macro, micro and nano scale.

This capability extends across a wide range of materials including polymers, composites, conductive adhesives and functional materials; and is regularly applied to evaluate the ‘fit for purpose’ of new materials. A broad outline of where we can provide valuable information is described below: -

• Mechanical properties of materials, including: –
o Macroscopic properties of bulk films
o Performance under varying temperature conditions
o Creep and viscoelasticity
o Thermophysical, mechanical and electromagnetic properties of carbon nanotube composites.
o Tensile strength e.g. nanofibres

• Functional properties such as ferro-electric effects and optical properties of light emitting polymers and electro active materials.
• Surface chemical analysis of nano particles and nano coatings.
• Dimensional characteristics - measurement of form and topography of films and other packaging materials, including physical and chemical composition of self assembled mono-layers.

Alignment with Exploratory Themes:

Durability

Plastics - Exploration of how the elastic properties of nanoscale polymers and polymeric composites change with time, when subjected to stress and varying temperature, light and humidity.

Paper –has both the facilities and expertise to measure the tensile strength of nanofibres.

Usability

Plastics - Evaluate the inclusion of nanoparticles in composite structures to
• produce more scratch resistant material;
• speed up the processing of packaging materials through enhanced thermal conductivity and crystallization. 

Added value 
• Exploration of the linkage between the surface properties of the material with psychological perceptions of the feel of the materials. The application of materials with optimised feel would encourage consumer selection of product.
• Nano- barcodes – has filed a patent for 3D nanobarcodes. Capable of storing the equivalent of 4 bibles on the tip of a pin, the technology is extremely difficult to counterfeit; it cannot be detected by human touch and is mechanically robust. As well as anti-counterfeiting applications in consumer goods and protection of high value items, this technology could also be used to carry extensive data about the origin and history of fresh produce.
• Incorporation of sensors in packaging that respond to biochemical changes associated with deterioration of food products, or exposure to temperatures or humidity outside of predetermined tolerances.

• Use of electronic displays – is able to generate, manipulate and measure small electric current and would be able to assist in evaluating the performance of electro active materials.