The NanoLab at the University of Innsbruck is one of several core facilities in Innsbruck, providing a broad range of methods for the experimental characterisation of both inorganic (such as cement/concrete, ceramics, glass, metals) and organic materials (such as polymers, wood, composite materials, bitumen). With the help of various spectroscopic, microscopic and X-ray analytical methods – in addition to the atomic and molecular structure – surface properties and the mineralogical/chemical composition of materials are identified (see figure 1). Additionally, technical (mechanical, thermal, electrical, hygral, …) properties of materials are determined (see figure 2), while a high-resolution X-ray microscope provides access to the three-dimensional micro- and pore structure of materials (see figure 3).
Figure 1: Surface characterisation using focus variation microscopy
Figure 2: Characterisation of mechanical properties
Figure 3: Microstructure of materials obtained from X-ray microscopy