CERL’s analytical capabilities provide the foundation for understanding how composite materials perform under real-world conditions. Using a comprehensive suite of advanced testing and characterization tools, we help clients evaluate material properties, diagnose performance issues, and make informed decisions about design, processing, and product development. The equipment listed below represents the range of analytical techniques available to support this work.

Full thermal analysis bench


TA Instruments Q400 Thermomechanical Analyzer (TMA)

Temp Range w/ MCA-40: -40°C [-40°F] to 400°C [752°F]
Temp Range w/o MCA-40: 30°C [86°F] to 1,000°C [1,832°F]

  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion/Contraction
  • Heat Deflection & Softening Determination
  • Residual Cure & Stress Relaxation effects on dimension.

Configurations available for testing:

  • Expansion
  • Macroexpansion
  • Penetration
  • Knife-Edge
  • Film/Fiber Tension

TA Instruments Q800 Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA)

Temp Range: 30°C [86°F] to 600°C [1,112°F]

  • Dynamic and Static Loading Modes
  • Most sensitive technique for Glass Transition (Tg) determination in FRP composites
  • Advanced predictive modeling using Time/Temperature Superpositioning (TTS)
  • Comparable to micro universal testing machine, with a loading capability of 18N
  • Non-contact linear drive and air bearings allow for outstanding fatigue capabilities, with a frequency range of 0.01 to 200 Hz.

Configurations available for testing:

  • Dual/Single Cantilever
  • 3-point Bend
  • “Rock n’ Roll” Bend
  • Film/Fiber Tension

TA Instruments Q500 Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)

Temp Range: 30°C [86°F] to 1,000°C [1,832°F]

  • Weight loss characterization with a resolution of 0.0001 mg (0.1 µg)
  • Determination of Organic Vs. Inorganic composition
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) content
  • Thermal Stability Temperatures
  • Decomposition fingerprinting of organic materials
  • Moisture Absorption Characterization

Analysis can be performed in both Inert (N2) and Oxidative (Air) atmospheres, depending on the testing requirements.

TA Instruments Q2000 Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)

Temp Range: -80°C [-112°F] to 550°C [842°F]

  • Analytical technique to measure changes in heat flow associated with:
    • Kinetic Events (Tg, Melt, Crystallization, Decomposition, Residual Cure)
    • Heat Capacity
  • Modulated capability allows for single run heat capacity measurements
  • Cure Kinetics Modeling for characterizing the relationship between Time and Temp relating to % degree of cure
  • Equipped with an Autosampler for hands-free operation and run scheduling

TA Instruments AR 2000EX Parallel Plate Rheometer

Temp Range: 30°C [86°F] to 400°C [842°F]

  • Analyses performed in either Static or Dynamic shear modes
  • Rheology characterizes flow behaviors of materials as a function of time, temperature, shear rate, amplitude, frequency, and normal force
  • Exceptional method for characterizing the effects of process conditions on the behavior of the material
  • Quantifies cure, viscosity, and process induced flow and recovery behaviors

Thermo Fischer Nicolet iS10 Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectrometer (FTIR)

FTIR is an analytical technique primarily used for the analysis of organic structures, by means of excitation with a broad range of the IR spectrum.

Equipped with an Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) accessory, any material that makes intimate contact with the crystal surface can be analyzed and identified.

  • Reverse engineering of competitors’ product
  • Materials identification
  • Contaminate identification
  • Material changes due to process or environmental exposure

CERL is currently in the process of upgrading this tool to the Nicolet iS50 Analytical FTIR.

Keyence VR-3200 Macroscope

VR-3200 Macroscope offers x12 to x160 optical zoom imaging, with non-contact surface topography characterization capabilities.

  • FoV (Horz x Vert) x12: 24 mm x 18 mm
  • FoV (Horz x Vert) x160: 1.9mm x 1.4mm

The motorized, indexing stage of the VR-3200 allows for automatic stitching of multiple images, allowing for larger area scans in a single analysis.

  • Stitched Image FoV x12: 200 mm x 100 mm
  • Stitched Image FoV x160: 16 mm x 8 mm
  • Additional analytical capabilities
  • Goniometry – Contact Angle, Surface Tension, and Surface Free Energy Analysis
  • Non-Destructive Testing Techniques
    • Olympus OmniScan Phased Grid Array Ultrasonic Analysis
    • FLIR Thermal Imaging Capabilities
  • LECO Microhardness Testing
  • Additional Microscopy capabilities
  • Cross-sectional analysis tool