Machinery & Capabilities

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In the Chemistry Workshop you have the capability of working with a wide range of equipment & materials:

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Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

This is a type of electron microscope that produces images of a sample by scanning it with a focused beam of electrons. The electrons interact with atoms in the sample, producing various signals that contain information about the sample's surface topography and composition. In simple terms, it magnifies things up to a million times. For example, if a cross-section of concrete was analysed in this machine the final image would show up different colours or shades depending on the different aggregates within the sample.

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X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)

This is a measuring instrument for analysing the structure of a material from the scattering pattern produced when a beam of radiation or particles (such as X-rays or neutrons) interacts with it. For example, this machine could be used to give an X-ray reading of a sample of concrete to determent the powder diffraction content.  

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Mass Spectrometry (MS)

This is an analytical technique that ionises chemical species and sorts the ions based on their mass to charge ratio. Mass spectrometry is used in many different fields and is applied to pure samples as well as complex mixtures. In simple terms, a mass spectrum measures the masses within a sample, with this been said the material's surface area, apertures, and size of pores usually tell what the substance is or is not.

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Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)

This is a spectro-analytical procedure for the quantitative determination of chemical elements using the absorption of optical radiation (light) by free atoms in the gaseous state. In simple terms, this machine gives an analysis of the different substances making up a compound/material. This is particularly beneficial when a material has been contaminated with an unknown substance.

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Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

This is an analytical method that combines the features of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify different substances within a test sample. So for example, this machine could be used to test for the different gas(es) used in between double glazing windows. 

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Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

This is a type of mass spectrometry which is capable of detecting metals and several non-metals. This is achieved by ionising the sample with inductively coupled plasma and then using a mass spectrometer to separate and quantify those ions. In simple terms, this machine gives a breakdown of the different metals in a sample in one procedure. In the past, this machine has been used to give a lead percentage reading in a sample of paint taking of a Victorian bridge before it was restored.

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Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Is a thermo-analytical technique in which the difference in the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of a sample and reference is measured as a function of temperature. Both the sample and reference are maintained at nearly the same temperature throughout the experiment. This machine can be used to give a reading of calcium oxide content compared to calcium hydroxide content in a sample of cement, slag waste, lime, etc.

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Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR)

This is a research technique that exploits the magnetic properties of certain atomic nuclei. This type of spectroscopy determines the physical and chemical properties of atoms or the molecules in which they are contained.

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Chemistry Energy Teaching Lab

This lab is set up to do experiments in heat transfer, and measuring the effect of coolant.

TECHNICIAN CONTACT DETAILS

Trevor Sewell - Manager

Phone (Internal): 5579 / 5580