Material Characterization & Testing

Technique for Electrochemical

Applications
Equipment List
1. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
2. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
3. Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
4. Viscometer
5. Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)
6. Dynamic Mechanical analyzer (DMA)
7. Potentiometer

Working Principle and Application

1. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
Working Principle

Figure 1Transmission Electron Microscope

Applications
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) is applied when the internal structure of the specimen
is studied. For example, the crystal structure, cell structure, or materials stress state information
as shown in Figure 2.
 Figure 2Transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrograph showing
several peripheral myelinated fibers and a Schwann cell (in the center)
containing many unmyelinated axons. (Image by: Jose Luis Calvo)

Workshop
The workshop of TEM has been studied with ZnO2. The model of the TEM is XXXXX.
2. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Working Principle

Figure 3Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Applications
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is applied when the surface of the specimen is studied. For
example, the roughness of the material, cell envelopment, or microscopic organisms as shown in.
 Figure 4Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showing the magnified insects’ eyes (image by: NAU NEWS)

3. Universal Testing Machine (UTM)

Working Principle

Figure 5 Universal Testing Machine

Applications
A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is used to test both the tensile and compressive strength of
materials. Test Application: Metal Testing, Rubber Testing, Plastic Testing, Packaging Testing
Instruments, Textile Testing, Cardboard & Paper Testing, Concrete Testing, Automotive Testing
and Medical Testing.

Figure 6 Tensile test plot by UTM

4. Viscometer
Working Principle
 Figure 7 Digital Viscometer

Applications
A viscometer is an instrument used to measure the viscosity and flow properties of a fluid.
Viscometers have wide and varied applications in the materials science and chemical industries
for materials such as oil, asphalt, plastics, wax, paints, coatings, and adhesives. They are also
used for food and beverages and personal-care products such as cosmetics, shampoo, and
toothpaste.

5. Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)

 Working Principle

Figure 8 Thermogravimetric Analyzer

Applications
Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) continuously measures mass while the temperature of a
sample is changed over time. A TGA can be used for materials characterization through analysis
of characteristic decomposition patterns. It is an especially useful technique for the study of
polymeric materials, including thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, composites, plastic films,
fibers, coatings, paints, and fuels.
The thermogravimetric data collected from a thermal reaction is compiled into a plot of mass or
percentage of initial mass on the y axis versus either temperature or time on the x-axis.

Figure 9 TGA curve

 6. Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer
Working Principle

Figure 10 Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer

Applications
Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer is used to determine material stiffness, damping and modulus.
The example of studied materials are ceramic, metal, thermo plastic, and etc.

Figure 11 Modulus values change with temperature and transitions in

materials can be seen as changes in the E’ or tan delta curves.

7. Potentiometer
Working Principle
 Figure 12 Potentiometer

Applications
Measuring unknown electromotive force of the cell or battery