Facilities/Equipment
The group directed by Prof. 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.
Alpha ATR-FTIR
It is a compact system and can be used for analysis of a solid, liquid and/or semi-solid samples without any sample preparation
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, heat capacity and curing behaviors of materials. It is equipped with a modulated DSC for reverse and nonreverse transitions
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. The temperature range is from room temperature to 1000°C.
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
DMA Q800 can be used to find variety of information on mechanical properties of many different materials. It is equipped with a GCA cooling system (-90C) and six clamps: a) Single Cantilever; b) Dual Cantilever; c) 3-point bend; d) Tension; e) Compression; f) Sandwich Shearing. The temperature range is -90°C to 400°C and force range is 0.0001N to 18N
Advanced Rheometer AR2000
It measures the stress-strain relationship to understand the flow/deformation of a liquid and semi-solid materials. Frequency range is 0.001 to 600 rad/s and minimum strain is 0.006%. The temperature range is 0°C to 400°C
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. The system is equipped with Allltech ELSD 2000 detector and Diod Array Detector (DAD). We have different columns and system is equipped with different 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).
Compression Molding Press
It is equipped with temperature controlled plates up to 300°C maximum. The maximum compression pressure is 11 metric ton.
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.
Agilent Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry-EI/CI
Agilent GC 7890A is coupled with MSD 5975C EI/CI single quad and FID. The machine is equipped with Combi Pal for head space and SPME( Solid Phase Microextraction) analysis which is a solvent-free sample preparation technique to extract the volatiles. The machine runs on Chemstation software with integrated NIST Tandem Mass Spectral Library 2017. The machine is also equipped with in-cold injection mode for high volatile samples
Agilent Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry-EI
Agilent GC 6890N is coupled with MSD 5975B EI single quad. The machine runs on Chemstation software with integrated NIST Tandem Mass Spectral Library 2017.
Bruker minispec NMR Spectrometer
It measures the crystallinity or cross link density in polymers and crystallization content of lipid (SFC). This 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.
Leica DM RX Polarized light Microscope
It is equipped with a digital camera C4742-95, four lenses (5X, 10X, 40X, 100X) and a temperature control Linkam TMS 94 stage with temperature range from -190°C to 350°C. The Linkam stage can be used at different heating or cooling rates. The microscope runs on Openlab software
Low Temperature Circulating Chiller
|
This low temperature chiller can go as low as minus 95 C
|
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 (Karl Fischer)
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.
Micro-mill Grinding machine
It is a high shear grinder (12000 RPM) for hard solid materials.
AccuPyc II 1340 Gas Pycnometer
It measures the density of solids, powders, granules and slurries. Also, it measures the closed cell content of insolation foam.
Vacuum Oven OV-11 28L
The temperature range is room temperature to 250°C.
Fox 314 Heat Flow Meter
It measures the thermal conductivity of cellular plastic and polyurethane and other materials. The thermal conductivity range is 0.005 to 0.35 W/m.k.
Agilent Gas Chromatography-FID (Flame Ionization Detector)
The Agilent GC-FID 6890N is used for volatile/hydrocarbon compounds
Combiflash Companion
It is a fully automated flash chromatography system. Four solvents can be used in the same time with variable wavelength UV detector and fraction collector.
UV Curing Unit VCP-15-L
The unit capacity is 80W/cm and it is equipped with a stainless steel mesh belt that can operate at different speeds from 5-70 m/min
Wiped Blade Film Evaporator
The unit is fully equipped with chiller/heater and Vacuum/diffusion pump for low pressure vacuum (0.001mbar). It is used for distillation of high boiling point and viscous materials at lower temperature for heat sensitive products, excellent mass and heat transfer and handles viscous fluids. Highly useful 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.
Texture Analyzer TA.XT.Plus
It is equipped with a temperate controlled chamber. It has three loading cells (1kg, 5kg and 50kg). The temperature range is -10°C to 80°C. It can be used in compression and tension modes.
200 L Jacketed Stainless Steel Reactor
200L SS jacketed reactor is equipped with Unistat T320 high temperature heater. The temperature range is ambient to 300°C. The reactor is equipped with a condenser and ThermoFlex7500 chiller (5°C to 40°C).
20 L Rotary Evaporator
Buchi R-220 Pro Rotavapor is equipped with an integrated vacuum pump (1 mbar) and Julabo F95 chiller (-90°C inside bath).
Two spare vacuum pumps for high vacuum requirement:
1) Vacuum pump Edwards 2MS high vacuum 5 mTorr.
2) Vacuum pump DS 602 high vacuum 6 mTorr.
Two spare vacuum pumps for high vacuum requirement:
1) Vacuum pump Edwards 2MS high vacuum 5 mTorr.
2) Vacuum pump DS 602 high vacuum 6 mTorr.
2 L Jacketed Stainless Steel Ozone Reactor and Ozone Generator
The reactor is equipped with a chiller/heater for temperature control reaction. The ozone gas is supplied by Atlas ozone generator (100g/hour). The gas is introduced from the bottom of the reactor through a perforated coil (1mm holes) for maximum dispersion of the gas in the liquid. The system is equipped with ozone monitor and ozone leak detector.
Heavy Duty Mixer
It is used for high volume (20L) viscous liquid mixing. Its motor is 1HP and spins at 2500 RPM
Agilent 1200 LC system
The system is equipped with a Diod Array Detector (DAD), Refractive-Index Detector(RID), Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (ELSD) and a Fraction collector. The system runs on Chemstation software with integrated GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography)
High Pressure Parr Reactor
The high pressure reactor has two reaction vessels (100ml, 25ml) for small size reactions. The maximum pressure and temperature are 3000PSI and 350°C.
High Pressure Parr Reactor (2L)
Used for high pressure and temperature reactions. The maximum pressure is 5000 PSI and 350°C maximum temperature
Cole-Parmer Peristaltic Pump 77600-62
With tubing I/P 89, the maximum flow rate is 17L/min. It is used for loading the chemicals in 200L reactor.
It is recommended for corrosive and toxic chemicals.
It is recommended for corrosive and toxic chemicals.
High Speed Countercurrent Chromatography (HSCCC)
The system is equipped with a variable wavelength UV/VIS detector, LC-6AD pump and fraction collector. It is an automated liquid-liquid chromatography which can extract/separate compounds from incompatible liquid phases.
Standard Size Rotary Evaporators (total 3 available in our labs)
It is equipped with oil bath (maximum temperature of 180°C), dry iced cold trap for low pressure vacuum concentrations. The low vacuum pressure is 50 mTorr.
Heidolph RZR 2021 Overhead Stirrer
It is used for low volume reaction stirring
22L Jacketed Chemglass Reactor
It is used for medium size scale up reaction. It is equipped with heater/chiller and temperature controlled condenser
Medium size balance (60kg)
It is used for medium scale weight measurement. The capacity range is (1kg to 60kg).
Silverson 150L Inline Lab Mixer
Silverson model 150L stainless steel inline mixer. It is driven by 1 hp motor. Unit has reliance electric variable frequency control for variable speed operation. It is suitable for emulsifying, homogenizing, dispersing, etc.
Drying Time Recorder
It measures the drying time of thin film of epoxy resin, polymers and wall paint.
Elcometer adhesion Pull OFF Tester
It measures the coating adhesion strength on steel, aluminum, concrete, polymers etc. The maximum pull off force is 3.5 N/mm2 (MPa).
5130 Abraser
It measures the resistance to abrasion/wear using a flat specimen mounted to a rotating wheel. The abraser is used in a wide variety of materials such as epoxy resin coating, polymer coating, floor coating, etc.
Benchtop illumination system (Gardner scale)
It measures the color of oils and varnishes from 1 to 18 ( Gardner scale).
High speed homogenizer (Polytron)
It is used for high shear mixing solid/liquid samples (10000 RPM).
Digital Durometer (SHORE D)
It measures the hardness (the resistance of a material indentation) of hard rubber, semi-rigid plastics and hard plastics. It is a dimensionless quantity. The scale is between 0 and 100. The higher number of hardness represents the harder material.
Controlled Climate Chamber
It is used to control the conditioning parameters (humidity and temperature) for different martials. The temperature range is 10°C to 60°C and the humidity range is 10% to 80% rh.
100 L Jacketed Glass reactor
The reactor is equipped with a condenser, cooling and heating bath with temperature range from 5°C to 40°C.
Scale Up Reactor for Water Treatment
This setup is used for the development of breakthrough curves at different conditions for biosorption studies in a continuous flow. Generally, breakthrough curves are employed to describe the performance of a fixed-bed column and they also help in scaling up the biosorption process i.e. to treat the water samples at a larger scale. It also has two flow controllers to control the flow rate of the desired amount.
Advanced Protocol Oven, 120VAC 60Hz
The broad temperature range is from room temperature to 330 °C. Programmable controller for temperature ramps and dwells
