The lab includes a photoelectron spectrometer (Kratos UltraDLD) equipped for X-ray (XPS) and ultraviolet (UPS) spectroscopies, enabling both core levels and valence band investigations. The system is equipped with a temperature-controlled stage (working in the 77 – 870 K range) and with an Ar Gas Cluster Ion Source, for depth profiling studies. The stage allows also for Angle-Resolved measurements. Samples could be transferred to the vacuum system from an inert atmosphere environment (e.g. glove box) through an ad hoc transfer vessel.
A Rigaku Smartlab, with a 9kW Cu Ka rotating anode and five-axis high-resolution goniometer is used for advanced X-ray diffraction measurements on a wide range of materials. Many accessories (doomed high-temperature stage, capillary rotation attachment, XYZ automatic stage, D/teX Ultra SSD linear detector, and battery cell attachment) are available for a large variety of measurements (e.g. non-ambient conditions and in-situ electrochemical analysis). Additionally, a PANalytical Empyrean system equipped with universal PreFIX optics, Pixcel3D2x2 area detector, and programmable XYZ platform, is available for routine measurements.
The lab includes three different atomic force microscopes, designed to cover all the possible applications of AFM.
The lab includes several instruments for mechanical characterization. In particular, a nanoindentation system (CSM) equipped with an ultranano head (resolution 0.5 uN, 0.1 nm) and a combined microindentation/scratch head for tribology and adhesion tests. Another nanoindenter (Micromaterials) covers special cases (liquid, rough samples, nanoimpact, nanoscratch, temperature up to 250 °C). A dual column Instron 3365 (500 N and 10 N load cells) covers standard stress/strain testing in tension, compression, bending, plus advanced measurements such as peel off, wires testing, penetration. A DMTA system (TA instruments Q800) is used for dynamic characterization in temperature of polymeric materials (viscosity, transitions, energy dissipation, creep). Finally, a micro-tensile stage (2KN load cell) is present for tests in liquid up to 70°C also in situ thanks to an optical window.
The lab is dedicated to the characterization of phenomena occurring at the interface between synthetic and biological materials.