Centre for Advanced Ceramic Materials (CACM)
Attritor and Planetary Mill
Model & Make
Netzsch GmbH, Germany / FRITSCH, Germany
Specifications
- Planetary mill Capacity: 0.1 - 0.5 kg
- Attritor capacity 0.5-100 kg.
Details
Mechanical mills are used for mechanical alloying (MA) and synthesizing nanostructured powders. The process can be carried out in small shaker mill for processing a few grams of powder or in high energy mills such planetry mill and an attritor.
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
Attritor and Planetary mill
Ceramic Grinding and Polishing Machine
Model & Make
Struers, USA
Specifications
Standard ceramographic preparations with smart dosing
Details
A semi-automatic grinding and polishing machine with an automatic suspension dispenser is used for the grinding and polishing of ceramic samples.
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
Ceramic grinding and polishing machine
Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD)
Three types of CVD are available at ARCI
A. Laboratory Set-Up CVD
Model / Make
Custom-made Russia
Specifications
- Power of furnace :4 KW
- Number of Zones: 3
- Temperature range: up to 1050oC
- Temperature control : 0.10oC
- Pressure range: 10-5 - 1.5 bar
- Synthesis time: 2 hours
Details
Chemical vapor deposition of hydrocarbons over a metal catalyst is a classical method that has been used to produce various carbon materials such as carbon fibers and filaments. Used at ARCI for synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes
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Centre for Carbon Materials
B. CVD Unit
Model & Make
MPA Industrie, France
Specifications
CVD has four parts: a) reactor where in the reaction takes place at desired temperatures and pressures b) a gas control panel for the precise control and flow of gases c) scrubber for chemically treating the un-reacted gases d) control panel for process control
- with a maximum temperature up to 1500oC
- Chamber dimensions : 500 mm dia x 700 mm height
- Deposition rate: 50-500 microns/min
- Employs a gaseous phase reaction of the material constituents at optimized conditions of pressure, temperature and gas flow.
Details
The Chemical Vapour Deposition unit is employed for the deposition of thin and thick film coatings by a chemical reaction of the precursors. The deposition is allowed to take place on suitably designed substrates at controlled deposition rates of 50-150 microns/minute. Self standing monoliths could be prepared by carefully removing the deposits from the substrates.
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
C. CVD System
Model & Make
1675, Advanced Vacuum System
Specifications
- Max. Operating Temperature of CVD : 2200oC
- Process Temperature : 1600oC
- Ultimate Vacuum : 1x10-2 Torr
- Process Pressure : 150 Torr
- Type of Vacuum Pumps : Two numbers of Liquid Vacuum Pumps
- Number of Scrubbers : 2 Nos.
- Number of Vaporizers : 4 Nos.
- Number of Gas Injectors: 5 on the Top and 4 at Sides
- Reactor Dimension : 1800 mm ht. x 1400 mm dia
- Turn-table Speed : 1-10 rpm
Details
Used for depositing SiC coating on the SiC substrate and also to make CVD-SiC stand alone parts. The CVD-SiC made has the density close to theoretical value with very high purity. The surface finish achieved on the CVD coated SiC substrate is 3-4 nm. Maximum 1 m dia. Component can be coated and SiC coating uniformity can be achieved within 10-15%.
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Centre for Non-Oxide Ceramics
Chemical Vapour deposition
Dilatometer
Model& Make
DIL 402 C, Netzsch, Germany
Specifications
- Temperature range : RT to 1450oC
- Heating Rate : 5-10oC/min
- Atmosphere : Inert/Air
- Samples holder : Alumina/Quartz
- Sample type : ceramic/metallic/non metallic
- Sample size : 6 mm dia x 25 mm length
- Measurements : Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), Phase transformation and sintering profiles
Details
Used for measuring thermal expansion
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
Dilatometer
High Speed Abrasive Cutter
Model & Make
Abrasmatic 300 cutter; Buehler, USA
Specifications
- Wheel dia: 300mm
- Capable of cutting samples of >100mm height
Details Dry and wet ceramic/metal cutting for green and sintered bodies
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
High speed abrasive cutter
High Temperature Air Furnace
Model and Make
Nabertherm GmbH
Specifications
- chamber dimensions: 400x400x400mm, Tmax: 1400oC
- Power: 6.5 kW, RT-1800oC
Details
Bottom Loading type, 8 heating elements ensuring uniform temperature super Kanthal heating elements
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
High temperature air furnace
High Temperature Vacuum Sintering Furnace
Model and Make
MPA Industrie, France
Specifications
- Atmosphere: Vacuum and inert gases
- Chamber size: 150mm dia x 400mm length
- Temperature: RT-2000oC
Details
Can sinter the ceramic samples upto 2000oC
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
High temperature vacuum sintering furnace
Hot Isostatic Press
Model & Make
AIP, USA
Specifications
- Maximum temperature: 12000 C / 2000oC
- Maximum pressure: 2000 bar
- Chamber dimensions: 10'' dia x 16'' height
- Operating atmosphere: Argon.
Details
Hot isostatic press applies both pressure and temperature to form and uniformly densify a particular material. Pressure is applied inside a vessel by compressing a gas medium, such as argon while the heat is supplied through a resistance-heated furnace, also located inside the pressure vessel. Temperature and pressure are monitored and controlled within a specified tolerance throughout the process, and a computer provides man/machine interfacing. Density near to theoretical density can be achieved.
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
Hot Isostatic Press
Hot Modulus of Rupture
Model and Make
Netzsch GmbH Germany
Specifications
- Temperature range: RT-1400oC
- Sample size: 45x4x3mm
- Atmosphere: static air
Details
Test mode - 3 and 4 point bend
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
Hot Modulus of Rupture
Hydraulic Uni-Axial Compaction Press
Model & Make
40/PR-6/PM-14/99-2000, Peeco Hydraulic Pvt. Ltd., Calcutta
Specifications
Capacity of 25 Tons
Details
For the consolidation of advanced ceramic components.
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
Hydraulic uni-axial compaction press
Impedance Analyzer
Model and Make
Solartron SI 1260A
Specifications
- Frequency range: 1micro Hz - 32 MHz
- Temperature: RT-1000oC
Details
Measures of impedance, capacitance, modulus, permittivity and dielectric loss
Centre
Centre for Ceramic Processing
Impedance analyzer
Microwave NDT System for Moisture Estimation of Green Ceramics
Model and Make
Fraunhoper Institute, IZFP, GmbH Germany
Specifications
Moisture range: 0-20%
Details
Moisture in green ceramics can be estimated for flat and complex shapes
Centre
Centre for Ceramic Processing
Microwave NDT system for moisture estimation of green ceramics
Nano Sizer
Model & Make
Nano SZ, Malvern Instruments Limited, UK
Specifications
- Principle of operation- Dynamic Light Scattering
- Size range : 0.6 to 600 nm
- Sample Type : Ceramic, Metallic and non-metallic based
- Concentration range : Transparent to extremely turbid suspensions
- Temperature range : 10 to 60oC
- Temperature control : +/-1oC
- Laser : 4mW He-Ne, 633nm
- Mean particle size: 1-1000nm
Details
The instrument measures the diffusion coefficient (D) and converts this to particle size, using the Stokes-Einstein equation: D=kT/3S, D=Hydrodynamic diameter, T=Absolute temperature, D=Diffusion Coefficient, K=Boltzman's constant, =Viscosity/c
Centre
Centre for Ceramic Processing
Nano Sizer
Particle Size Analyzer
Model and Make
MS3000, Malvern Instruments Ltd., UK
Specifications
- TRange: 0.02 micron-2000 micron
- Capability: dry and wet
- Solvent condition: aqueous and non-aqueous
Details
Measures particle size distribution and size
Centre
Centre for Ceramic Processing
Particle Size Analyzer
Powder Flow Analyser
Model& Make
TXT.PLUS, Stable micro systems, UK
Specifications
Operates at RT with 15-20 gm of powder with a load cell capacity of 5N
Details
Powder flow analyzer can be used for the determination of compaction coefficient, cohesion coefficient, cohesion index, flowability. The helically machined rotor of the instrument can be programmed to move through the powder in different ways to measure many different characteristics. The sample of powder can be conditioned, then compacted to a specified stress and then the rotor can be programmed to slice down through the powder (with minimum disturbance to the powder column, by moving down at the same helical path as the blade profile) and then to move up through the sample measuring the cohesion between the powder after the consolidation. Flow property of powders before and after granulation such as cohesion index, PF speed dependency, caking strength, flow stability can be measured.
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
Powder Flow Analyser
Pressure Slip Casting
Model and Make
PCM 100 N, Sama GmbH Germany
Specifications
- Casting Pressure range: upto 40 bar
- Capacity of the slurry: 5 - 60 ltrs
- Cast Thickness: 2-20mm
- Green density as cast: 50%-60%
- No of cycles per hr: 30 cycles per hr
Details
Can cast solid and hollow structures including complex shapes
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
Pressure slip casting
Rheometer
A. Model & Make:
MCR 51, Anton Paar, GmbH
Specification
- Modes of operation- a) Controlled shear rate b)Controlled shear stress c) Oscillation mode
- Measurement systems- a) Concentric cylinder systems for low and high viscous fluids b) Parallel plate configuration c) Cone-plate configuration
Details
The equipment is equipped with a high resolution optical encoder which enables precise measurement of the angular deflection and can perform the following measurements
Viscosity with varying shear rates, Viscosity with varying shear stress, Viscosity with varying time, Viscosity with varying temperature, Creep test, Stress relaxation test, Oscillatory tests, Multi wave test, Amplitude Sweep, Frequency Sweep, Temp, Sweep and Time Sweep.
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
B. Model & Make :
R/S-CPS+, Brookfield, USA
Specification
- Torque Range : 0.05 to 50 m Nm
- Speed Range : 0.01 to 1,000 rpm
- Temperature Range : -20 to 250oC
- Shear rate Range : 0 to 6000 per sec
- Shear stress Rate : 0 to 16000 Pa
- Viscosity Range : 0.05 to 10,000 Pa s
- Spindle type : Cone and Plate type
Details
It allows the Rheological characterization (viscosity measurements) of both Newtonian and Non-Newtonian fluids; A broad measurement range, testing for yield properties and the ability to flow properties of fluids with delicate structures. This Rheometer is a rotational controlled stress instrument with geometries (cone and Plate). The geometry is directly connected to the motor shaft. A current is applied to the Rheometer motor, and the resulting speed (RPM) is measured with an optical encoder directly connected to the motor shaft. The applied Torque is converted to shear stress, and the RPM is converted to shear rate by the instrument electronics. It will be operated on controlled shear stress or controlled shear rate mode where a feed back loop is used.
Centre
Centre for Carbon Materials
C. Model & Make
DV-III Ultra
Specifications
- Viscosity range : 15CPs to 2MPs
- Software: Rheocalc32 for viscosity plots Vs time, temperature, shear rate & shear stress
- Others: Built in in math models for data analysis and stand alone mode with 4 spindles
Details
The three properties rheology, suspension stability, and compatibility of the catalyst ink and carbon slurry can be studied by the rheometer. The thickness and consistency of the catalyst layer on the membrane/electrode depends upon the solution properties. Rheometer DV-III ultra combines the sophisticated viscosity and the yield stress measurement with PC control software for continuous sensing and display. This is an easy tool to predict the materials flow, spray or pumping behavior by studying the shear rate profiles.
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Centre for Fuel Cell Technology
D. Model & Make
GEM-200-903 & Malvern Instruments Limited, UK
Specification
- Viscosity range: 3 X 10-7 to 6 X 106 PaS
- Torque range: 0.05 µNm -200 mNm
- Torque resolution : <10-9 Nm
- Rotational speed : <10-8 rad /s to 600 rad /s
- Normal force range : 0.001 N to 20 N
- Oscillation frequency range:10-6 Hz to 150 Hz
- Modes of operation: Controlled shear rate, Controlled shear stress, Oscillation mode
- Measurement system Concentric cylinder , Parallel plate, Cone-plate
- Working temperature range : -30 to +200oC
Details
Used for measuring rheological properties of slurry, visco-elastic material. It is a Frictionless low inertia air bearing type with integrated high-resolution absolute position sensor. The Rheometer consists of a microprocessor controlled automatic zeroing and gap setting with thermal compensation. Its accuracy in viscosity values < 1 %
Centre
Centre for Non-oxide Ceramics
Rheometer
Screw Type Extruder
Model & Make
VT, Neptune Eng. Co, Gujarat
Specifications
Press capacity - 40 Tons
Details
Ram type and Screw type extruders for extrusion forming of high symmetric ceramic parts such as honeycombs, tubes, seals etc. Capability to extrude alumina, zirconia, cordierite, silicon carbide, mullite etc.
Centre
Centre for Ceramic Processing
Screw type extruder
Simultaneous Thermal Analyser (STA)
A) Model & Make
STA 449 Jupiter - Netzsch GmbH, Germany
Specifications
- TG-DTA-DSC over the range Rt-1550oC
- Heating rate : 0.01 to 999oC and isothermal between 0 and 99 h 59 min
- Vacuum : 4 m bar
- Sample mounting : Vertical
- Temp Resolution : ±0.1oC
- Temp accuracy : ±0.5oC
- Data evaluation rate: 0.120/m to 1200/m (for heating rates 0.01oC/m- 50oC/m)
- Sample volume : 0.3ml/0.085ml (DTA/DSC)
- Cp: Cp calibration, Calculation and graphic representation, temperature dependent and curve comparison
Details
Measures TGA/DTA and DSC simultaneously from room temperature to 1400o C.
In STA, the sample is subjected to a controlled temperature programme of heating where the change in mass, the absolute sample temperature and the difference in temperature of sample with a reference are measured simultaneously and monitored very accurately. With a proper calibration the heat flux to and from the sample can be calculated which in turn helps in determining the specific heat as a function of temperature. The specific heat of a material is an important thermodynamic parameter which helps to study and understand the mechanism of phase transitions etc.
Centre
Centre for Carbon Materials
STA
Spray Granulation
Model & Make
BCHI Mini Spray Dryer B-290
Specifications
- Evaporation capacity of 1.0 kg H2O/h
- Maximum air temperature : 220oC
- Drying air flow: 35 - 40 m3/h.
- Spray Gas for atomization: air or N2, 200 - 800 l/h, 5 - 8 bar, Inert Loop B-295 for organic medium
Details
Spray drying process is to dry aqueous or organic slurries involving the steps of feeding the slurry solution with Peristaltic Pump followed by dispersion with spray nozzle, evaporation with drying cylinder and separation granules with cyclone/fitter.
Centre
Centre for Ceramic Processing
Spray granulation
Spray Pyrolysis System
Model & Make
SM Scientech 2005, Kolkata
Specifications
Water evaporation capability is 20 litres/ hr.
Details
Aqueous solutions (various molarities) of metal nitrate salts along with pre determined quantities of additives is fed via a peristaltic pump and atomized at a particular pressure of compressed clean/dry air is allowed to enter in to a hot zone to under go pyrolysis. The temperature is again a predetermined one for a given composition with the help of thermal analysis.Required temperature in pyrolysing chamber is generated by blowing hot air to have the advantage of cyclonic classification possible for the product powders as a function of their size. Operating parameters for each composition can be stabilized by studying the effect of (solution) feed rate & molarity, pyrolysis temperature and atomizing pressure to achieve the highest yield. Nano powders such as doped/pure ZnO, ZrO2, YSZ, Lanthanum Strontium Manganate-LSM in bulk (kg level) can be synthesized
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Centre for Ceramic Processing
Spray Pyrolysis system
Ultrasonicator
Details
This unit is selected for use during the process of making fuel cell electrodes when the catalyst ink and carbon ink have to be kept agitated and the particles are expected to be in the suspended state rather than settling down at the bottom.
Centre
Centre for Fuel Cell Technology
