DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Our goal is to further scientific research by providing first-rate analytical services. We accomplish this by facilitating the most effective application of cutting-edge equipment for research, development, and training.
EQUIPMENT AND ANALYTICAL SERVICES
Scanning Electron Microscopy
The JCM-7000 NeoScope™ is an easy-to-use benchtop SEM with advanced features of full-sized SEMs. This instrument can perform a multitude of tasks with a magnification of up to 100,000X (with a large depth of field available), resolutions down to 8 nm, a larger EDS detector, and new features like live EDS, live X-ray mapping, and live 3-D. It allows for easy navigation from an optical image to high-resolution SEM imaging. The instrument has highly advanced auto functions for automatic condition setting and image formation in minutes to ensure high-quality results and enhanced productivity. The instrument has high and low vacuum modes for managing a broad variety of samples and optional fully-integrated energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) for elemental analysis.
X-ray Diffraction
The D2 PHASER is a novel desktop X-ray diffraction tool enabling the analysis of poly-crystalline material. Through X-ray powder diffraction using the classic Bragg-Brentano geometry, the D2 PHASER measures high-quality data for applications such as qualitative and quantitative crystalline phase identification, polymorphism investigations, determination of crystallinity, and structure investigations. The instrument is equipped with an integrated PC and a flat-screen monitor and is universally designed for all powder applications. It has 6 sample holders for every specimen type. The new and very easy-to-use workflow software DIFFRAC.SUITE allows measurement and analysis right out of the box. Implemented with LYNXEYETM compound silicon strip X-ray detector technology, the D2 PHASER can collect high-quality data with unprecedented speed.
Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
The NETZSCH Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer (STA) 449 F5 Jupiter® allows the simultaneous measurement of Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The equipment has a high resolution, a high range, low drift balance, and sensitive DSC capability that enables it to excel in all typical applications across a broad range of temperatures. True TGA and DSC measurements can be performed with high precision and reproducibility at sample temperatures from ambient to 1600 °C. The equipment can be used to determine thermal effects, specific heat capacities, coefficients of thermal expansion, melting and solidification temperatures, or enthalpies for materials that find applications in biomass, inorganics, organics, polymers, ceramics and glass, batteries, adhesives and sealants, building materials, photovoltaics, thermoelectric, metals and alloys, pharma, and thermal insulation.
Particle Size Analyzer
The Microtrac S3500 is an industry-preferred Laser Diffraction (LD) analyzer, ideally suited for various particle characterization tasks. It is the first particle size that uses three precisely placed red laser diodes to accurately characterize particles like never before. The S3500 measures particle size from 0.02 to 2800 μm, covering most particle size analytical requirements. The instrument has the capacity for wet and dry particulate sample measurement with seamless transition. Microtrac Laser Diffraction technology uses the phenomenon of scattered light from multiple laser beams projected through a stream of moving particles suspended in a liquid or air. The amount and direction of light scattered by the particles are measured by an optical detector array and then analyzed by the Microtrac Software.
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
The SPECTRO ARCOS FHX3X is an automatic optical emission spectrometer providing simultaneous measurements and is capable of measuring over 60 samples per hour for a wide range of elements. It excels in industrial and academic applications for the most advanced elemental analysis of metals, chemicals, petrochemicals, and other materials. The SPECTRO ARCOS uses inductively coupled plasma excitation and a semiconductor-based detector system for quantitative and semi-quantitative analysis of liquids. The line-array detectors, based on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, eliminate blooming, read trace elements’ low signals even in the vicinity of intense matrix lines, offer a high dynamic range, and eliminate on-chip cooling.
Ion Chromatography: HIC-ESP system
Ion chromatography (IC) is an analytical technique used to separate and quantify ions in a solution based on their interaction with a resin or column material. It is commonly used to detect and measure anions (such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate) and cations (such as sodium, potassium, calcium) in various samples. The process involves passing a liquid sample through a column packed with ion-exchange resin, where ions are separated based on their charge and affinity to the resin.
Additional Equipment Available in Our Facility
- pH Meter
- CO₂ Gas Analyzer
- Microwave Digester
- Milli-Q EQ 7000 System for Ultrapure Water Production
For bookings and queries:
Contact: Dr Orlette Mkhari, 0786463002 or mkhario@cput.ac.za
Contact: Prof. Tunde V Ojumu for any queries regarding our analytical services:
071 321 6797, or ojumut@cput.ac.za
Address:
Ground Floor, Lab. 0.37
Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Building
Cape Peninsula University of Technology,
Bellville Campus