Automotive

Catalysis

• Element selective investigation of a wide range of materials; crystalline or amorphous and at very low concentration;
• Structural and electronic studies of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in operating conditions;
• Follow chemical composition changes during corrosion;
• Study the surface structure of heterogeneous catalysts.

Materials Structure

• Examine a wide range of advanced materials including metallic systems, ceramics, composites and performance polymers;
• Investigate materials manufacture and processing problems;
• Characterisation of materials with respect to the evolution of microstructure, crystallographic transformation and residual stress;
• Uncover cracks and voids, in static conditions or during in situ loading.

Coatings

• Investigate surface and layer structure and ordering in paints and performance coatings;
• Characterise the nanostructure of non-crystalline materials under controlled environmental conditions, e.g. polymers, composites, alloys and ceramics;
• Investigate the performance of corrosion resistant coatings.

Fuels and Lubricants

• Investigate fuel cells and hydrogen storage materials;
• Explore phase behaviour in fuels, motor oils and lubricants in the presence of additives;
• Understand interfacial phenomena relating to friction, lubrication and wear;
• Analyse particle shape, particle growth and self-assembly in colloidal systems.