Biomaterials Testing

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The facilities within the biomaterials test lab include a Nanoindenter, Dynamic Mechanical Analyser (DMA) and Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC).  These facilities allow MediCET to determine the material properties and characteristics of small samples. A specialised preparation room is available for biological samples.

Nanoindenter
	Nanoindentation can be used to determine the mechanical properties, including hardness and Young's Modulus, of almost any material. The nanoindenter can also be used to determine visco-elastic properties such as creep, fatigue and fracture toughness, with microscope inspection and pre-programmed mapping indentation options.
Dynamic Mechanical Analyser (DMA)
	The applications of the Dynamic Mechanical Analysers (DMA) are many and varied; some examples include: the measurement of the glass transition temperature of polymeric materials; measuring the effect of adhesive coatings on films, and conducting a mechanical analysis of small biological samples or synthetic fibres. Methods of deformation testing include dual/single cantilever, 3-point bend, shear sandwich, compression, and tension. During mechanical testing the sample is enclosed in a temperature-controlled environment (ranging from -150˚C to 600˚C).
Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)
	Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC) measure temperature and the heat flows associated with thermal transitions in a material. They are commonly used for investigation, selection, comparison and end-use performance evaluation of materials in research, quality control and production applications. Properties measured by the DSC include: glass transitions, "cold" crystallisation, phase changes, melting, crystallisation, product stability, cure/cure kinetics, and oxidative stability.