
Advanced Materials Research Laboratory Range of analyses
At the AMRL, we can carry out analysis and tests in compliance with internationally recognised standards, such as BS, ISO, ASTM, DIN, etc. We also work with our clients to deliver bespoke testing solutions and the possibility of reproducing operational conditions traditionally not easily accessible. Some examples include:
- Mechanical properties at sub-ambient temperatures and up to 1000°C
- Thermal properties at sub-ambient temperatures and up to 1600°C
- X-ray diffraction at elevated temperatures
- Non-destructive topographical and morphological investigations and elemental analyses of small parts (i.e. no need of materialographic preparation).

Mechanical testing
- tension/compression
- axial fatigue
- rotary bending fatigue
- 3- or 4- point bending
- creep
- impact V-Charpy
- Vickers macro- and micro-hardness

Thermal analysis
- thermal diffusivity and specific heat (≤1600°C and in inert gas/vacuum conditions)
- weight change and face transformations (≤1600°C)
- coefficient of thermal expansion (≤1600°C)
- thermal conductivity - indirect measurement (≤1600°C and in inert gas/vacuum conditions)
- thermal conductivity - direct measurement (-20°C to 80°C)

Compositional analysis
- qualitative and semi-quantitative elemental analysis
- quantitative mapping
- phase and material identification (≤2000°C)
- compositional depth profiling (≤150μm)
- quantitative surface, interface and bulk analysis

Microstructural analysis
- morphological imaging
- topographical imaging
- crystallography (grain size and texture analysis)
- porosity and inclusions characterisation

Metallographic preparation
- Precision cutting/sectioning
- Mounting
- Automated grinding and polishing
- Etching


SEM image showing dimple rupture

SEM image using polarised light to show pearlitic grey iron
Our research
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