Materials science and engineering.
The Centre for Biointerface Characterization (CBiC) is a hub between university researchers and industry partners seeking novel biomaterials’ solutions for the clean energy, human health, sustainable environment and construction sectors. The centre hosts a unique suite of instruments enabling comprehensive studies of various materials surfaces, with special emphasis on bio-organic materials. Of special interest is a set of spectrometers enabling full chemical characterization in the nano- to micro-domains, either for discovery of unknown structures or for quality control of engineered geometry and chemistry. Depending on specific project needs, CBiC services vary from contract work on submitted samples to longer-term research collaborations. Collaborators may choose to receive training and perform their experiments hands-on, on CBiC equipment, or they may work together with CBiC members on the design, execution and/or interpretation of experiments. Successful collaborations include the automotive fuel cell, enhanced forest products, and filter membrane industries, as well as university research (e.g., on biomedical devices, food processing, drug delivery, anti-fouling mechanisms, micro-fluidics, environmental asbestos control and anti-corrosion processes).
- Analytics
- nanofabrication
- product enhancement processes
- materials design and development
- performance testing
- proof-of-concept experiments
- materials quality control
- Aerospace and satellites
- Automotive
- Construction (including building, civil engineering, specialty trades)
- Energy
- Environmental technologies and related services
- Forestry and forest-based industries
- Healthcare and social services
- Information and communication technologies and media
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
- Manufacturing and processing
- Mining, minerals and metals
Specialized labs and equipment
Equipment | Function |
---|---|
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer | 2D-3D chemical characterizations of material surfaces with nanometer resolution |
Bio-compatible X-ray photoelectron spectrometer | Chemical analysis of material surfaces |
Ultraviolet/visible light Raman micro-spectroscope | Chemical analysis of material surfaces with sub-micrometer resolution |
Combined Raman spectroscope/atomic force microscope | Chemical analysis of material surfaces with sub-micrometer resolution |
Combined total internal reflection fluorescence microscope/ atomic force microscope | Adhesion testing on molecular scales |
Nanofibre tensile testing apparatus | Adhesion testing on nanometre scales |
Multi-axial mechanical testing apparatus | Adhesion testing on micro- to macro-scales |
Fine wire braider | Manufacturing of composite structures |
Nanofibre electrospinning unit | Manufacturing of fibre structures |
Atmospheric plasma unit | Coating of surfaces |