Polymer Analysis Laboratory (PAL): includes seven state-of-the-art laser light scattering systems. Distribution of polymer molecular weight can be measured qualitatively or absolutely on one of three Agilent-Waters-Wyatt gel permeation chromatography (GPC) or field flow fractionation (FFF) systems equipped with multiangle laser light scattering detectors. The field flow system is especially powerful for large polymers and colloidal particles. Dynamic light scattering can be performed on custom-built equipment devices, a Malvern ZetaPALS (which can also measure zeta potential) or on-line in flow-through mode using a Wyatt QELS. PAL's thermal analysis facility (Seiko and TA Systems) includes differential scanning calorimetry (DSC - three instruments), simultaneous thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), steady state and oscillatory thermomechanical analysis (TMA), and dynamic mechanical spectroscopy (DMS). For polymer analysis at the molecular level, the mass, size, and aggregation characteristics of polymers may be characterized on either of two state-of-the-art laser light scattering systems built to the specifications of the department in LSU's Scientific Instrumentation Shops. Distribution of polymer molecular weight can be measured qualitatively or absolutely on one of two Waters-Wyatt GPC systems equipped with multiangle laser light scattering and DRI detectors and, or on a Waters-Viscotek TA60 triple detection system, which combines light scattering and viscometry and DRI in one GPC system. PAL's optical microscopy facility is equipped with Olympus and Leitz optical microscopes for polarized, Normarski, transmission, and epi-fluorescence illumination, as well as confocal mode for "optical sectioning" of materials in three dimensions. A special apparatus for fluorescence photobleaching recovery combines laser illumination and computer-interfaced photometry to measure diffusion rates in solutions, gels, melts, and liquid crystals. Film and video cameras interface to two separate image processing systems. Other instrumentation includes assorted viscometers and osmometers and a NIMA Langmuir Blodget trough, equipped for surface pressure measurement and production of thin films. |
Polymer Analysis Laboratory (PAL)
This page was last updated Friday, May 15, 2009