Nicolet - Nexus 670 FT-IR: We use infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to characterize organic molecules, and polymer thin films. This IR is equipped with a liquid nitrogen cooled mercury-cadmium-tellurium (MCT) detector. The sensitivity of this detector allows us to image ultra-thin films via the grazing angle accessory. In addition, we have diffuse reflectance and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessories. Furthermore, a temperature controlled liquid cell allows us to work in solution.

Mettler – 670e DSC: We use differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure the melting point and crystallization temperatures of our materials. DSC is particularly important for analyzing liquid crystals where we measure the transition temperature and energy associated with phase transitions (e.g. an isotropic to LC transition). We also measure the glass transition (Tg) of organic polymers. The cooling accessory allows us to go to –70˚C at controlled rates.

Mettler – TGA/SDTA 851e: We use thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to measure the decomposition temperatures of organic and inorganic materials. In addition, this instrument utilizes single differential thermal analysis (SDTA) in order to measure the heat flow associated with decomposition events. The instrument is equipped with a robotic auto sampler for routine use.

Olympus Microscope: Polarized optical microscopy allows us to image liquid crystalline textures. Each liquid crystalline phase or mesophase exhibits characteristic textures and colors. The rotating stage and Bertrand lens allows us to examine LC alignment with respect to the surface. Currently, we have three objectives with a maximum magnification of 40x. The microscope is fitted with a CCD color video camera that is attached to a Macintosh computer for video capture.

Instec HCS-400 Temperature Controller: This heating/cooling stage allows us to control the temperature of our samples while we utilized the microscope. Liquid crystalline phases occur at many different temperatures. This stage can be heated to 400˚C and cooled to –70˚C at controlled rates. The cooling is accomplished with a liquid nitrogen delivery system.

Waters Alliance 2690 HPLC/GPC: We utilize high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to analyze and purify organic compounds. In addition gel permeation chromatography (GPC), also known as size exclusion chromatography (SEC) allows us to determine the molecular weight and polydispersity of organic polymers. The HPLC pump is fitted with three detectors, a photodiode array UV-Vis (PDA), a differential refractive index detector (RI), and a multi-angle light scattering (MALS) detector.

Wyatt Technologies MiniDawn Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS): MALS is a technique that allows us to determine the absolute molecular weight and polydispersity of our polymers without the need for calibration standards that are typically used in SEC polymer analysis. The MiniDawn detector possesses a flow cell with three angles and a 30 mW diode laser. We utilize sophisticated computer algorithms to analyze the size and Mw distribution of our polymers.

Tantac Contact Angle Meter: We measure contact angles of water and other solvents on substrate surfaces. This allows us to compare the surface energy of various substrates and polymer coatings. The surface energy is very sensitive to changes in the composition of the substrate.

Nanofilm Technologies Elli-2000 Scanning Ellipsometer: Ellipsometry allows us to measure the thickness of thin films. This instrument is equipped with a CCD camera that allows us to image with a resolution as small as 1mm and thicknesses on the order of Angstroms!