Material science

Spectroscopy techniques are used to study the composition of materials and detect contamination at a molecular level, to determine chemical and processing issues. ​

Leveraging a new capability in Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), we can measure volatiles produced from materials during handling and manufacture, to ensure they are used safely.​

Coupling chemical and microstructure analysis, we’re able to identify failure mechanisms and perform root cause analysis.

Optimising the processing conditions for polymer materials can reduce time to manufacture, and improve part quality and final material performance. Our experienced chemists can help to understand and optimise the processing conditions for polymer materials, through characterising behaviours such as cure cycle. This is particularly important when exploring new or unfamiliar materials to reduce the number of testing trials, which can lower cost, reduce development time, and mitigate safety risks.​

We are also able to characterise degradation of materials beyond the established operating conditions, to support systems design and increase confidence in long term performance of the part or product.

Our team can help make materials more versatile for use in different applications and help de-risk the adoption of new materials to market. Net zero is driving more innovation than ever in materials, and our material science team can help with substituting fossil fuel derived chemicals with bio-based ones. ​

Enabling the uptake of biomass feedstocks and recyclates into new materials is a challenging task, we can generate analysis data on fibres and resins to quantify their quality and performance. We can also validate emerging recovery processes to ensure output recyclate meets material and part manufacturing requirements, enabling circularity.