
Advanced Composites Group Equipment
The work carried out in the Advanced Composites Group (ACG) is facilitated by our extensive analytical and composite processing resources. Our in-house equipment includes a variety of thermal and mechanical analysis techniques, covering the micro to macro scale. We possess particuarly strong expertise in micromechanics and testing of single fibre-matrix interfaces using the microbond test.
Our imaging resources are comprehensive. Lower magnifications are provided by a range of optical microscopes, while our Scanning Electron and Atomic Force Microscopy resources allow us to investigate down to the nano level.
ACG's composite processing and macromechanical testing equipment is complimented by a sophisticated automatic fibre length analysis system.
All equipment is available for external use. To make an inquiry please complete and return a copy of our ACG booking request form with all of your details.
Equipment Available at the ACG

Thermal Analysis
Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis, Thermo Mechanical Analysis and Heat Flow Meter
Microscopy
Optical microscopy (including hot stage) and Atomic Force Microscopy. SEM facilities are provided through the Advanced Materials Research Laboratory.
Micromechanics
Our micromechanical expertise includes single fibre tensile and micro-droplet interfacial testing.
Further materials characterisation
Access to a wide range of analytical and macromechanical testing equipment is provided through the Advanced Materials Research Laboratory.
Composite Processing
ACG's composite processing capabilities cover a range of techniques.
Fibre length analysis
Our 'FASEP' automatic fibre length distribution analysis is a powerful tool in understanding the relationship between macroscopic composites performance and fundamental micromechanics

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Quick yet detailed chemical analysis over a range of analysis depths is provided by our FT-IR
Force tensiometry
Our force tensiometer allows us to characterise surface energies of reinforcement fibres, in addition to measurement of surface tension, density or powder wettability.Our capabilities can help further your research interests
Our research
Discover our areas of expertise in composites research - from the nano to the macro scale