Material Development

Materials Characterization Laboratory

The Materials Characterization Laboratory at CCM provides comprehensive resources for analyzing the structure, chemistry, and properties of materials across multiple length scales, from the molecular and fiber level to full-scale composite structures.

The characterization process integrates advanced instrumentation, standardized testing protocols, and innovative methodologies to enable a deep understanding of rate-dependent material behavior under thermal, mechanical, chemical, and environmental conditions. These capabilities advance both the design and performance of high-performance composites.

Areas of Expertise

The laboratory’s capabilities span a broad range of analytical and testing disciplines, including:

Thermal Analysis
Assessing transitions, stability, and heat transport in composite materials.

Mechanical Testing
Evaluating performance from the micro-scale to full-scale structural levels under static, dynamic, and environmental conditions.

Spectroscopic Methods
Investigating material composition and chemical changes with high precision.

Microscopy and Imaging
Providing high-resolution structural analysis and defect detection. Facilities include both thermal and standard visual high-speed imaging for characterizing damage evolution during high-rate loading environments.

Surface and Rheological Analysis
Studying wetting, adhesion, and flow behavior to inform processing and performance.

Fiber and Interface Micromechanics
Understanding fiber/matrix interactions and interfacial strength for optimized designs.

Failure Analysis
Identifying root causes and mechanisms of material degradation to guide improved material solutions.

By combining these areas of expertise, the Materials Characterization Laboratory delivers a holistic view of material performance, supporting both fundamental research and industry-driven applications.

For a complete, up-to-date list of available instruments and technical specifications, please Contact Us.