Centre for Nanomaterials (CNM)
Spark Plasma Sintering
Model & Make
SCM 1050, Sumitomo Coal Mining Co, Ltd Japan
Specifications
- Current: upto 5 kA
- Voltage: upto 10V
- Load: 100 kN
- Campact size: 30 mm dia max.
- Vacuum level: upto 6 Pa
- Molds: graphite
Details
The spark plasma sintering (SPS) process is the most advanced form of sintering where it is possible to retain submicron structures at low sintering temperatures and short times. The difference between SPS and other sintering methods has ramifications in process efficiency and energy savings as well as microstructural and compositional implications. These beneficial effects have been largely attributed to a) the higher heating rates, b) imposition of an electric field and c) applied stress during sintering.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Spark Plasma Sintering
Flame Spray Pyrolysis
Model No & Make
Custom made, Friedli AG, Switzerland
Details
Flame spray pyrolysis is the process where the formation of nanoparticles happen by conversion of liquid precursor in a flame and subsequent collision and sintering of reaction products in the high temperature environment. Liquid precursors that can be used in the flame spray process are metal nitrate solutions, metal salts of carboxylic acids or organometallic compounds to produce oxide, complex oxides and nobel metal supported oxides nanopowders.
The process has the following advantages:
- Broad range of product materials,
- Multi-component particles,
- High purity powders,
- Thermally stable powders,
- Environmentally friendly process,
- Short process chain,
- Standard equipment and materials
- Low cost energy source.
- Production rate ~1 kg/h
Flame Spray Pyrolysis
100 Tonne Spark Plasma Sintering
Model No & Make
Model: SPS-7.40MK-VI, Fuji Electronic Industrial Co. Ltd, JapanKey Features (purpose / Advantage of using the equipment)
The spark plasma sintering (SPS) process is the most advanced form of sintering where it is possible to retain submicron structures at low sintering temperatures and short times. The difference between SPS and other sintering methods has ramifications in process efficiency and energy savings as well as microstructural and compositional implications. These beneficial effects have been largely attributed to a) the higher heating rates, b) imposition of an electric field and c) applied stress during sintering.Specifications
- Current: upto 15 kA,
- Voltage: upto 10V
- Load: 1000 kN
- Campact size: 100 mm dia max.
- Vacuum level: upto 6 x 10-5 mbar
- Molds: graphite
100 Tonne Spark Plasma Sintering
Carbon-Sulphur Analyzer
Model and Make
- CS - 444, LECO, USA
Specifications
- HF-400 induction furnace (18 MHz, 2,2 kW) for CO2/SO2 conversion
- Measured carbon in the range 0 to 0.5 %,
- Measures sulphur in the range 0 to 0.35 %
Details
Carbon/Sulphur system is a microprocessor based software driven instrument for wide range measurement of Carbon and Sulphur content of metals, ores, ceramics and other inorganic materials. It uses HF-400 induction furnace (18 MHz, 2,2 kW) for CO2/SO2 conversion. It works on the principle of infrared absorption of CO2 and SO2.
Carbon-Sulphur Analyzer
Calendaring machine
Model and Make
- GN HR200, Gelon LIB Co Ltd. China.
Specifications
- Roller size: 96 mm dia,
- Roller width: 200mm
- Roller surface max. temperature: 130 oC
- Calendaring thickness: 0-2 mm, Adjustable
Details
The calendaring is an important step in the cell fabrication. The dried electrode foils after the coating have to be pressed using a calendaring machine to get desired porosity of the electrode. The gap between the rollers can be adjusted to a desired thickness.
Pressure Synthesis Reactor
Model and Make
- Custom designed and fabricated
Details
Reactor can be operated under vacuum (10-3 torr) as well as under positive pressure of up to 10 bar of argon, nitrogen, hydrogen and hydrogen disulphide at a maximum temperature of 1000-degree C. The reactor can be used for elevated temperature processing (synthesis/deposition) of corrosive materials or under corrosive environment. The reactor has the provision for fast cooling as well as fast scrubbing of the effluent gases.
Planetary vacuum mixer machine
Model and Make
- Dual shaft planetary mixer, Gelon LIB Co Ltd. China.
Specifications
- Rotary Speed: 0-800 rpm
- Mixing Container: 150 ml, 500 ml
- Mixing blades: Biaxial planetary stirring
Details
The slurry for lithium-ion battery/supercapacitor electrode coating is prepared by mixing Active electrode material, conductive carbon black and a polymer binder in a planetary vacuum mixer to achieve viscous homogenous slurry.
Slitting machine
Model and Make
- TOB FT500, Xiamen TOB New Energy Technology Co Ltd. China.
Specifications
- Slitting width: 20-500 mm
- Slitting mode: single knife hobbing
- Slitting thickness: max. 300 microns
Details
The dried and calendared electrode foils are slit into desired width and length based on the cell dimensions to make jelly rolls for lithium-ion battery/supercapacitor cell fabrication.
Ultrasonic welding machine
Model and Make
- TOB USW 2600W, Xiamen TOB New Energy Technology Co Ltd. China.
Specifications
- Frequency: 24 KHZ
- Max. output power: 2600W
- Welding heads for Al and Cu
Details
The ultrasonic welding machine is used to weld single layer/multi-layer electrode stacks together along with terminal Al/Ni tab connections in pouch type/cylindrical lithium-ion battery cell fabrication.
Supercapacitor Testing Station
Model No & Make :
PARSTAT 2000 & Advanced Measurement Technology INC, USA
Key Features
Advanced Measurement Technology INC, is a multi-channel testing system designed for R& D and production of supercapacitors, batteries and other electrochemical energy storage devices. Each channel operates independently of each other enabling users to run tests on multiple devices at the same time.
The features of Advanced Measurement Technology INC, are (i) completely independent channels allow users to run multiple independent tests simultaneously without affecting the other channels, (ii) accuracy up to 0.02% for low power and 0.05% for high power applications, (iii) Potentiostatic/Galvanostatic stations fine-tuned for battery Research & Development, and (iv) High capacity current boosters (20A) are available to test the commercial supercapcitor devices.
Specifications
- Serial No: PMC CHS08A
- Dimensions (W xL xH, inch): 14 x30 x25
- Channels: 24 Nos.
- Current range: -2 A ~ 5nA
- Voltage Range: 0 V ~ 10 V
- Frequency range: 10 µHz- 7 MHz
Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) Furnace
Make
Jointly developed by ARCI and Inductotherm India Pvt. Ltd
Features
- Melting capacity: 2-10 kg
- Temperature capability: ~1850 °C
- Working atmosphere: Vacuum (10-4 mbar)/ inert gas
- Casting mould with heating facility (500 °C)
- Alloy addition facility with controlled atmosphere
Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) Furnace
Fatigue testing Machine
1.Servo Electric Low Cycle Fatigue machine
Make
ITW India Private Limited - BISS Division, Bengaluru, India
Model
AC-01-0010
Features
- As per ASTM 606
- Capacity: 100 kN
- Frequency: 0.01 to 2 Hz
- Modes: stroke, load and strain control modes
- Temperature: up to 1000 0C on M8, M10 and M12 samples
2. Servo Hydraulic High Cycle Fatigue machine
Make
ITW India Private Limited - BISS Division, Bengaluru, India
Model
AC-01-0010
Features
- As per ASTM E466
- Capacity: 100 kN
- Frequency: 1 to 100 Hz
- Modes: stroke, load and strain control modes
- Temperature: up to 1000 0C on M8, M10 and M12 samples
- Tensile test as per ASTM E8M
- FCGR test (da/dN) as per ASTM E 647
- J1c test as per ASTM E1820
- K1c test as per ASTM E399
Servo Electric Low Cycle Fatigue machine
Servo Hydraulic High Cycle Fatigue machine
Oxygen-Nitrogen Analyzer
Model and Make
ON - 900, Eltra, Germany
Specifications
- Oxygen is detected as CO2 in IR-cell
- Nitrogen is detected by a thermal-conductivity-cell
- Measured oxygen in the range 0 to 0.5 %,
- Measures nitrogen in the range 0 to 0.5 %
Details
Oxygen/Nitrogen system is a microprocessor based software driven instrument for wide range measurement of oxygen and nitrogen content of metals, ores, ceramics and other inorganic materials. It uses induction furnace for CO2/SO2 conversion. It works on the principle of infrared absorption of CO2 and SO2.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Eltra Oxygen-Nitrogen analyzer
High vacuum high temperature furnace
Model and Make
Hind Hi Vacuum Company Private Limited, Bengaluru, India
Specifications
- Molybdenum heating element and hearth; Hot zone size: 150 x 150 x 200 mm;
- Maximum operating temperature: 1200 degree C
Atmosphere
- Vacuum (10^-6 mbar), Argon and Nitrogen
System Details
This multi-purpose furnace has wide range of options to carry out heat treatment, powder sintering and annealing under high (10^-6 torr) vacuum and up to 1-3 psig positive pressure of argon and nitrogen atmospheres. The system can be operated at high temperature up to 1200 degree C.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
High temperature vacuum furnace
High vacuum high temperature Centorr furnace
Model and Make:
System VII, Centorr Vacuum Industries-USA
Specification:
Tungsten heating element and hearth; Hot zone size: 150mm x 150mm x 300mm; Maximum operating temperature: 2000 degree C; Operating
Atmosphere:
Vacuum (10^-6 Torr), Argon, Nitogen, Hydrogen (upto 1900 degree C); Quenching provision (forced gas quenching)
System details:
This multi-purpose furnace has wide range of options to carry out heat treatment, powder sintering and annealing under high (10^-6 torr) vacuum and up to 1-3 psig positive pressure of argon, nitrogen or hydrogen atmosphere. The system can be operated at high temperature up to 2000 degree C. The system is equipped with forced gas quenching setup for rapid cooling of the charge/sample(s) under inert gas within the furnace chamber after completion of the heat treatment. The system is fully automated with PLC control and has remote operation capability.
Center:
Center for Nanomaterials
High Temperature-High Vacuum-Controlled Atmosphere Furnace
Cryo mill
Model and make :
1-s laboratory cryo mill; Union Process
Specifications:
- Tank capacity: 7 lt
- Max Ball to powder ratio: 32:1
Details:
Used for synthesizing nanostructured materials at cryogenic temperature of -190 C.
Advantages :
- Reduced oxide contamination
- Fine grain structures
- No sticking of powder to the container. < li>Fine particles.
Centre:
Centre for Nanomaterials
RF Induction Plasma
Model & Make
60 kW; Tekna Plasma Systems, Canada
Specifications
- Power rating: 60 kW
- Electrode less process
- Precursor: Solid, liquid and gases
- Atmosphere: Oxidizing, reducing or inert as per requirement
- Plasmas generated through electromagnetic coupling of electrical energy in the discharge cavity
- Production rate: 0.5-1 kg/hour
Details
Nanopowders of pure metals (Al, Ni, Ti, Cu, Ag, W), oxides (Al2O3, ZrO2, TiO2, SiO2), carbides (SiC, B4C, TiC, WC) and nitrides (TiN, Si3N4, BN) etc can be produced in bulk quantities (several kilograms per hour).
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
RF Induction plasma
Inert Gas Atomizer
Model & Make
HERMIGA 100/10 VI, PSI, UK
Specifications
- Capacity (per batch): Typically 4kg of aluminium alloys, 10kg of iron, nickel and copper dependent on charge form.
- Temperature: 175oC
Details
The equipment is used to make spherical powders using inert gas atomization process in which the oxygen content is minimum (<100 ppm). Various metal/alloy powders based on aluminium, iron, silver, zinc, nickel, gold, magnesium, copper, palladium, beryllium, cobalt, tin, lead and others can be made using this equipment.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Inert gas atomizer
Zoz Simolyer Mill
Model & Make
CM-20, Zoz GmbH, Germany
Specifications
Capacity (per batch): 4 kg
Details
The equipment is used to carry out high energy milling of powders. As the mill imparts high kinetic energy to the powder through balls, the process takes short time there by eliminating contamination of the material being processed. The mill is used to produce nano-structured materials, non-equilibrium compositions and dispersion of oxides and carbon nano tubes in metals/alloys.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Zoz Simolyer mill
Micro Focus X-Ray Diffractometer
Model and Make
- RAPID-II-D/MAX MICROFOCUS X-ray Diffraction System (RIGAKU Corp., Japan)
Specifications
- Rigaku-MICROMAX 007 HF rotating anode (Cu and Cr target)
- 2D-curved image plate detector (size: 470 x 256mm)
- collimators: 10, 30, 50, 100, 300 and 800 mm diameter
- 2theta range: -47 to +163 degree
Details
This is the most versatile laboratory scale x-ray diffraction system. It is equipped with high intensity microfocus rotating anode x-ray source-Rigaku MicroMax 007HF, which has brightness close to a second generation synchrotron with x-ray flux of 1014 to 1015 x-ray photon/mm2/s at the focal point. The system also has a highly sensitive and large image plate based 2-dimensional (2D) detector, which ensures a full scan from -47 to +163 degree for 2theta in a single exposure of very small duration. It has both Cu and Cr target option with provision to bring the beam spot size down to 10 micron. The system can be operated in reflection, transmission and glancing incidence configuration. It can perform wide range of studies like phase analysis, texture, residual stress, trace phase detection (for phase fraction of 0.1% or less) in micro/macro-area apart from thin film analysis in the glancing incidence mode. In addition, it has a provision to perform fully automated area mapping using auto stage.
Micro Focus x-ray Diffractometer
Multi Piston Hot Press
Model & Make
Redson make
Specifications
- No of pressure pistons : 3
- Capacity of each piston, T: 3 max.
- Number of stacks: 3
- Maximum diameter of the component, mm: 90
- Charge height with holding fixture, mm: 250
- Maximum Temperature, C : 1050
- muffle pressure, mbar : 500
- Charge stacking and loading arrangement: Semi-automatic
- Sintering atmosphere : Hydrogen, nitrogen
Details
The advantage of the above hot press is that it works on both laboratory scale as well as pilot level. The split hood deign of the muffle enables faster cooling and batch completion time. The pistons being independently operating allows different pressure conditions to be set simultaneously, facilitating less no. of cycles for different experimental conditions. The furnace has been designed such that power consumption is very minimal and can be operated with either 100 % hydrogen, or nitrogen flowing gases unlike conventional hot presses which are designed for either inert or vacuum. Thus metallic, cerametallic or even polymer based samples can be processed.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Multi Piston Hot Press
Battery Test Equipment
Model & Make
BT-2000, Arbin Instruments
Specifications
- Serial No: 166347
- Dimensions (W xL xH, inch): 14 x30 x25
- Channels: 20 Nos.
- Current range:
- Low: -100 µA ~ 100 µA
- Medium: -0.0005A ~ 0.0005A
- High: -0.005A ~0.005A
- Voltage Range: 0 V ~ 10 V
- Maximum Power: 0.05 W
Details
Arbin Instruments BT-2000 is a multi-channel testing system designed for R& D and production of batteries and other electrochemical energy storage devices. Each channel operates independently of each other enabling users to run tests on multiple batteries at the same time.
The features of Arbin Instruments BT-2000 are (i) completely independent channels allow users to run multiple independent tests simultaneously without affecting the other channels, (ii) accuracy up to 0.02% for low power and 0.05% for high power applications, (iii) Potentiostatic/Galvanostatic stations fine-tuned for battery Research & Development, and (iv) Up to three current ranges per station available for improved accuracy over a wide range of testing conditions.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Battery Test Equipment
Photoelectrochemical Characterization Unit Interfaced with Monochromator and Reactor
Model & Make
PARSTAT 2273 & EG&G Princeton Applied Research
Specifications
- 2A current max. (20 A booster)
- 100 V compliance
- 1.2 fA current resolution
- > 1013 input impedance
- < 5 pF of capacitance
- 10 µHz to 1 MHz built-in analyzer for impedance
Details
The characterization facility is meant for photoelectrochemical characterization of a photoactive semiconducting film as well as suspension. The dedicated setup is especially interfaced with the light sources and the monochromator, and has up-gradable provision for off-line and on-line gas detection during liquid/gas phase catalysis experiment. The state-of-art facility can be used for studying photoelectrode performance and estimate it's IPCE efficiency for gradation of electrode quality.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Photoelectrochemical characterization unit interfaced with monochromator and reactor
Gas Chromatography
Model & Make
GC 2010 PLUS ATF & SHIMADZU
Specifications
- TCD and FID detectors
- Split/split less injector
- GC Solution software
Details
The spectrometer is state-of-art facility mainly useful for hydrogen and oxygen and other gas detection desired during the analysis of (by-) products from catalytic experimentation. The dedicated system has TCD and FID detectors for possibility of analyzing gaseous as well as liquid samples.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Gas Chromatography
Micro Raman Spectrometry
Model & Make
Horiba Jobin Yvon; Labram Micro Raman Spectrometer
Specifications
- Raman resolution - 0.36cm-1
- Spot size - 1 micron
- Raman range 50cm-1 to 4000cm-1
- Confocal microscope with objectives - 10X, 50X, 100X
- Multichannel TE air cooled CCD Detector
- Laser, Air cooled Argon 20mW, 514nm He-Ne, 633nm, 17mW
Details
Raman Spectrometery is complementary to FTIR. Raman can be used to analyse aqueous solutions since it does not suffer from the large water absorption effects found with FT techniques. Raman requires little or no sample preparation. Raman Spectroscopy actually originates from the bond vibrations. This intrinsic nano probing combined with micro raman spectroscopy makes it very sensitive to short range structure in the nano materials. Thus it is good complement to TEM or X-Ray Diffraction techniques. The advantage of No sample preparation required both for solid and liquid samples in Micro Raman Spectroscopy makes it an easy access to characterize nano materials. Micro Raman provides phase identification, even traces of secondary phase can be detected as the polarisibility changes for different kinds of bonds which is detected in the Raman intensity.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Micro Raman Spectrometry
Hydraulic Press
Model and make
Bemco, Closed Frame
Specifications
- Capacity : 250 Tons down stroke, 30 Tons of ejection stroke
- Press has a day light of 800 mm with a table size of 750 mm x 750 mm.
Details
Used for consolidation of metallic powders
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
Model & Make
Omicron Nano Technology, UK
Details
The instrument has the capabilities of depth profiling by Ar ion etching, Imaging XPS, Auger photoelectron spectroscopy (static and scanning modes), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Sample heating (upto 100oC) and cooling (liq N2 temp.). The technique being surface sensitive, it is very useful to characterize nanomaterials including, powders and thin films.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
Surface Area and Porosity Analyzer
Model & Make
ASAP 2020
Details
Surface area and porosity are two important physical properties of the nanopowders that can be measured by this method. The equipment works on gas absorption principle therefore, it is very effective tool to study the surface morphology of the materials. Surface area (as low as 0.05m2/g) can be measured. It can measure adsorption and desorption isotherms to determine the shape of pores. It is possible to carryout measurements using adsorbates such as N2, Ar, CO2 and Kr selectively and also capable of measuring Langmuir surface area and pore size distribution. Volume, area, total pore volume and pore size in the range 0.35 to 500nm can be determined.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Surface Area and Porosity Analyzer
Furnaces
Tubular furnaces:
1.Model and make
Therelek, Model 2248-4 kW
Specifications
- Operate in Ar and N2 atmosphere upto 1000°C
- Press has a day light of 800 mm with a table size of 750 mm x 750 mm.
2.In-house
5 kW rating
Specifications
- Operate in Ar and N2 atmosphere upto 1000°C
- Chamber size: 90 mm dia x 300 mm
3.Model and Make
Krishna Enterprise
Specifications
- Operate in Ar and N2 upto 800°C
- Chamber size: 40 mm dia x 100 mm
4.Model and Make
Therelek, Thane
Specifications
- Operate in Ar and N2 atmosphere upto 1100°C
- Chamber size: 110 mm dia x 500 mm
Chamber furnaces:
1.Model and Make
Okay 70015-10 kW, Bysakh
Specifications
- Operate in air upto 1600°C
- Chamber size: 300 mm3
2.Model and Make
Technico make
Specifications
- Operate in air upto 1000°C
- Chamber size: 200 mm3
Reduction furnaces:
1.Model and Make
Termolab, Retort-15 kW
Specifications
- Operate in H2 and N2 upto 1200°C
- Chamber size: 200 mm dia x 300 mm
Center
Center for Nanomaterials
Pulse Power Supply
Model & Make
DPR series (DuPR 10-3-6); Dynatronix INC, USA
Specifications
- Real Time Cycle Control
- Ampere Time Cycle Control
- Ampere Time Totalizer
- Error signals for over-temperature, locked fan rotor, output out-of-tolerance and power failure/brownout conditions
- Calibration capability through the control interface
- Straight DC or High Frequency Pulse Output (0-5000 Hz) Capability
- 0 - 10.0 volts average (DC) or peak (pulsed) voltage
- 0 - 3.0 amps average current (or maximum DC current)
- 0.3 - 6.0 amps peak (pulsed) current
Details
Fully-programmable power supply for DC, Pulse and Pulse Reverse electrodeposition and Electrochemical anodization
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Electrochemical Analyzer
Model & Make
PARSTAT 4000 A, AMETEK
Specifications
- Maximum current output: ± 4A
- Maximum voltage output: ± 10V
- Frequency range: 10 µHz to 10 MHz
- Voltage sweep rate: 1mV/s to 25 kV/s
Details
The electrochemical analyzer with a wide current and potential window is used for electrochemical processing and characterization of samples and devices by various modes such as:
- Voltammetry – Linear scan voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, staircase voltammetry, chronoamperometry, differential pulse voltammetry, etc.
- Corrosion – Linear polarization resistance (LPR), Potentiodynamic and potentiostatic, Galanodynamic and Galvanostatic corrosion, Tafel plot, etc.
- Impedance – Pontentiostatic and Galvanostatic EIS, Mott-Schottky analysis, etc.
- Energy – Charge-discharge analysis, Cycle stability, etc.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
Digital Laboratory Hot Air Oven
Model & Make
UFE 700, Nabertherm GmbH, Germany
Specifications
- Memmert (UF160)
- Temperature range: 30-300 °C
- Dimensions: 560(w)*720(h)*400(d) mm
- Option: programmable temperature and duration
Details
Digital laboratory hot air oven is used for drying or curing of all sort of functional coatings / materials in a laboratory scale.
Centre
Centre for Nanomaterials
