Facilities/Equipment
The group directed by Dr. Aman Ullah has state of the art equipment and facilities for biomass and agri-food waste conversion to monomers/biochemicals and synthesis of biopolymers, bioconjugates/biomaterails and their detailed characterizations. below is the list of equipment available in our labs.
Injection Molding Machine
The minijet machine can injection mold for tensile tests (i.e. ASTM D638, ASTM D1708, ISO 178, ISO 527–2), Charpy Imp. Strength (ISO 179), Izod Imp. Testing (ISO 180, ASTM D256, ASTM D4508, ASTM D4812), Rheological tests, DMA, Dist. Temp. (ASTM E2092) and other customized solutions
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR)
The IR spirit has capability to analyze liquid and solid samples. It enables vertical or horizontal sample measurement with humidity indicator with ATR capability. Stable with reliable performance, can be used for analysis of variety of samples ranging from liquids to solids.
Universal Mechanical Testing Machine
AGS-X series universal testing machine provides superior performance and practical testing solutions for a wide range/array of mechanical property testing applications.
Microwave Synthesis Reactors/Assemblies
Dedicated Microwave reactors from quantities in milliliter to liter scale batch processing solution for specific applications. The reactor's control software provides control of temperature, power, time and other reaction parameters
Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC)
We have two differential scanning calorimeters including TA 2920 and Q 100. The systems can be used for the phase changes including determination of glass transitions in amorphous polymeric materials and melting in crystalline materials as well as crystallization and curing behaviors of polymeric materials
Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)
TA Instruments (Q50) can be used to measure composition and/or thermal stability under inert or oxidative conditions. The instrument can also be used to determine sorption studies of gaseous components.
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
DMA Q800 can be used to find variety of information on mechanical properties such as loss/storage modulus, energy dissipation, stretch, thermal expansion and contraction coefficient etc.
TA Instruments rheometer AR 2000
AR 2000 is a temperature control with controlled stress/controlled rate rheometer. AR 200 is suitable for the rheological analysis in a vast range of operating conditions (flow and creep steps, oscillatory response, time or temperature ramps and sweeps)
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC)
The Agilent 1200 series can be used as gel permeation (GPC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) for different types of polymer analysis. We have different columns and system is equipped with UV/ELS detectors for analysis of low and high molecular mass polymers.
Gas Chromatography – Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID)-Clarus 500
The Gas Chromatograph with flame ionization detector (FID) and electron capture detector (ECD) can be used for analysis of variety of volatilizable compounds including monomers, organic substances containing hydrocarbons and for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Carver Press
The Carver press with digital temperature control is used for molding of polymeric and composite materials. The Press can also be used for molding of thermoplastic polymers and thermoset plastics into particular shapes.
Programmable Chiller and Sonicator Baths
We have controlled temperature chillers and ultrasonic baths with timer and adjustable thermostatically controlled heater with continuous operation capabilities
Penetrometer (Universal)
This Penetrometer can be used for direct-reading and precision penetration measurements of plastics, foods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
Chromatography Equipment (LC-MS, GC-MS, GC-FID)
Several types of high-performance chromatography equipment for quantitative and qualitative analysis are available, including GC-MS, LC-MS and GC-FID.
Bruker minispec NMR Spectrometer
This mq 20 can be used for temperature-dependent characterization of the liquids/solids including polymeric materials according to the relaxation time and can also be used for relaxation properties of pharmaceuticals contrast agents etc.
Polarized Light Microscope (PLM)
PLM can be utilized in various scientific disciplines such as medicine, biology, food industry as well as materials science. Different types of specimens including crystals, fibers, glasses, ceramics, metals and muscle tissues can be examined. The PLM can also be used for examinations of clear polymer films to differentiate classes of polymers having same thickness including amorphous/crystalline contents and orientations.
Low Temperature Circulating Chiller
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This low temperature chiller can go as low as minus 95 C
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AccuPyc II 1340 Series Pycnometer
This is a fast, fully automatic analyzer that provides high-speed, high-precision volume measurements and density calculations on a wide variety of powders, solids, and slurries. Using a gas displacement technique to measure volume, the AccuPyc II 1340 completes most sample analyses in less than three minutes.
The Pycnometer includes direct sample mass input from a balance and cycle-based displacement volume reporting. With the Windows interface, features such as time-based pressure equilibration reporting and additional calculations such as percent solids content and total pore volume are included.
Measures the absolute density of solids and slurries Completely automatic operation and Windows interface provides exceptional reporting and archiving capability Capable of measuring open- and closed-cell foam materials (with FoamPyc software) Temperature-control version allows analysis at user-selectable temperatures
The Pycnometer includes direct sample mass input from a balance and cycle-based displacement volume reporting. With the Windows interface, features such as time-based pressure equilibration reporting and additional calculations such as percent solids content and total pore volume are included.
Measures the absolute density of solids and slurries Completely automatic operation and Windows interface provides exceptional reporting and archiving capability Capable of measuring open- and closed-cell foam materials (with FoamPyc software) Temperature-control version allows analysis at user-selectable temperatures
Agilent Headspace 5975C Series MSD
We have the Agilent 5975C Series GC/MSD with the New Triple-Axis Detector. It is combined with 7890A GS System CTC Analytics Combi PAL Sample Injectors for liquid injection, headspace, and solid-phase microextraction.
This device has a better MS resolution and the lowest mass deviation, superior sensitivity in all ionization modes and unquestioned spectral integrity establish a solid foundation of consistent quality.
- Inert ion source (programmable up to 350 °C) delivers enhanced response for active compounds and late eluters
- True hyperbolic quadrupole provides maximum transmission and resolution
- Thermally stable quartz quadrupole (can be heated up to 200 °C for long-term mass axis stability)
- The Triple-Axis Detector with the triple-channel electron multiplier for increased signal and reduced neutral noise
- Longer lasting tune and calibration stability
- Automatic EPC reagent gas adjustment and CI tuning
- Electron impact (EI) ionization standard with CI ion source from the same source
- Fast SIM – dwell time as short as 1 ms
- 1050 u mass range – extends application space for high mass compounds
- SemiQuant capability for easy and fast estimation of amount of unknown compoundsAgilent’s 5975C Series GC/MSD includes performance electronics to maximize signal transmission for faster GC/MS in full scan, Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) and Synchronous SIM/Scan modes
- Scan rates up to 12,500 u/s – compatible with fast full scan GC/MS
- Run Synchronous SIM/Scan without compromising performance
- More data points per peak for better peak integration
This device has a better MS resolution and the lowest mass deviation, superior sensitivity in all ionization modes and unquestioned spectral integrity establish a solid foundation of consistent quality.
- Inert ion source (programmable up to 350 °C) delivers enhanced response for active compounds and late eluters
- True hyperbolic quadrupole provides maximum transmission and resolution
- Thermally stable quartz quadrupole (can be heated up to 200 °C for long-term mass axis stability)
- The Triple-Axis Detector with the triple-channel electron multiplier for increased signal and reduced neutral noise
- Longer lasting tune and calibration stability
- Automatic EPC reagent gas adjustment and CI tuning
- Electron impact (EI) ionization standard with CI ion source from the same source
- Fast SIM – dwell time as short as 1 ms
- 1050 u mass range – extends application space for high mass compounds
- SemiQuant capability for easy and fast estimation of amount of unknown compoundsAgilent’s 5975C Series GC/MSD includes performance electronics to maximize signal transmission for faster GC/MS in full scan, Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) and Synchronous SIM/Scan modes
- Scan rates up to 12,500 u/s – compatible with fast full scan GC/MS
- Run Synchronous SIM/Scan without compromising performance
- More data points per peak for better peak integration
Aquametry Apparatus II
We have Barnstead/Thermolyne Aquametry II Apparatus for Karl Fischer Method. This compact, closed, odorless and moisture-proof system provides precise water determinations in just few minutes using the Karl Fischer method. Unit is capable of measuring 0.005% (50ppm) to 100% water with 1% accuracy and 0.5% reproducibility and meets ASTM standards and federal specifications
Hydrogenator
Hydrogenation reactions can be carried out in Parr reactors capable of holding high pressures
Jacketed 12 and 22 L Glass Reactors
Two 12 L and 22 L jacketed glass reaction vessels from Chemglass for the semi-pilot and pilot scale production of epoxy precursors and materials from renewable sources.
Linkam
Variable Temperature Stage for Microscope – is an easy to use heating and freezing stage specially designed for accurate temperature measurements. The stage consists of a large area temperature controlled element with simple microscope slide mounted sample loading. The sample chamber is gas tight and has gas valves to control the environment inside. The temperature is monitored by a standalone temperature programmer which allows for sophisticated temperature profiles that are used to process our lipidic samples
Ozone Generator
This ozone generator produces a continuous flow of ozone using compressed ambient air or oxygen gas for greatly increased power. It feeds the ozonolysis reactor in which double bonds in lipid molecules are oxidatively cleaved in order to produce feedstock which can be converted into precursors for biopolymer and high-value chemical production
Programmable Circulating Bath
Our digital and programmable refrigerated and heating circulating baths are designed to provide precise temperature control of fluids for circulation to external equipment or to be used as standalone baths. The reservoir may be used for immersing samples while the unit is connected to an external device. Models are equipped with various size reservoirs and refrigeration capacities. The temperature control system is responsive enough to maintain uniform temperatures for long periods
Rotary Evaporator
The rotary evaporator is a device which is used to easily and efficiently evaporate solvents from reaction mixtures. The solvent which is removed under vacuum is trapped by a condenser and is collected for reuse or disposal. Our system can accommodate volumes as large as 3 litres
State of the Art Imaging System
State of the Art Imaging System for Digital Capture and Analysis
Wiped Blade Molecular Distillation
Wiped-Blade Molecular Distillation is used where the distillate is of high boiling point. It has high vacuum capability hence reducing operating temperature, excellent mass and heat transfer and handles viscous fluids.
The Single Stage Distillation Plant runs at 0.1 to 2.0 liters per hour, with shorter run times possible. This is a complete system including the feed vessel, Short Path Evaporator and internal condenser, hot oil heater, condenser cooling system, cold trap, and vacuum system.
It is invaluable in developing formulations, generating products and proving process separations involving Molecular Distillation Technology. This process could be used in many areas, including oleochemicals, fatty acids, biodiesel, fine chemicals, polymers, and pharmaceuticals.
The Single Stage Distillation Plant runs at 0.1 to 2.0 liters per hour, with shorter run times possible. This is a complete system including the feed vessel, Short Path Evaporator and internal condenser, hot oil heater, condenser cooling system, cold trap, and vacuum system.
It is invaluable in developing formulations, generating products and proving process separations involving Molecular Distillation Technology. This process could be used in many areas, including oleochemicals, fatty acids, biodiesel, fine chemicals, polymers, and pharmaceuticals.
TAXT Plus Texture Analyzer
Texture Analyzer is the latest generation Texture Analyzer. This instrument is used to measure the texture and hardness of edible lipid samples. It has true stress-strain ability and is equipped with multi-channel data acquisition. The instrument is capable of variable speeds and can be utilized for matching specific operational conditions or imitating real-life situations
