The Schwartz laboratory has a number of materials characterization instruments available for research use. Please inquire about equipment use and availability schedule by contacting Dr. Cris Schwartz cris1@iastate.edu
Fee for Service Instruments
Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA)
TA Instruments RSA-G2
The RSA-G2 is a high resolution DMA system which has the unique feature of independent load and displacement control, which is especially useful for characterization of soft elastomers and biological samples. Its full capabilities can be found here: (insert link http://www.tainstruments.com/rsa-g2/)
Rates: ISU researchers: $45 per usage hour; External projects: $100 per usage hour
Two-Axis Tribometer
Rtec Instruments
This unique two-axis tribometer allows for a number of various tests to be run to investigate friction and wear behavior of materials under motion and load conditions that closely simulate selected application. A number of different material types can be investigated including metals, polymers and biological materials. Friction forces can be monitored in real time and specialized two-dimensional siding profiles can be achieved. Additionally, wear mass loss can also be determined in order to characterize wear resistance of materials of interest.
Rates: ISU researchers: $30 per usage hour; External projects: $75 per usage hour