Analytical Services and Contract Research
Franklin AM has a well equipped laboratory with experienced scientists and engineers who are available to assist in your project, whether the work involves advanced materials characterization such as SEM imaging or TGA / DSC or more involved projects involving perhaps the development of a new ceramic tape system or electrode paste formulation. For materials characterization work we typically turn around results within 48 hours. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
The SEM is often used when the needed resolution exceeds the capabilities of an optical microscope. However, beyond showing high resolution topographical information, the SEM is also capable of producing an elemental analysis of the specimen when coupled with an auxiliary Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) detector. Franklin AM has a JEOL JSM-6390LV low vacuum SEM with an Oxford Instruments EDS. We offer our clients fast turnaround and direct person to person service to ensure that you get the information you need when you need it.
Surface Topography
Our new laser based non-contact inspection system provides high resolution z-height measurements collected to produce either a 2-D profile or 3-D topographical map. The specimen can be opaque, clear or photo reflective / absorptive. Our system is fitted with a blue laser confocal sensor that is designed to allow measurements on silicon solar cells with an anti-reflective coating (ARC).
- 10nm Z resolution, 100nm X & Y resolution
- 200 micron Z sensor range, 200mm X & Y stage range
- Height, length, width, diameter, depth, thickness, area, volume, camber, warp, surface roughness/smoothness
Solar Cell Output Testing
We can provide performance measurements of poly or mono crystalline solar cells, in both 156 mm x 156 mm and 127 mm x 127 mm standard sizes. Typical performance measurements include Fill Factor, Efficiency, Voc, Vmax, Imax, n Factor and Isc under single sun conditions.
Rheology Tests
Whether you have one sample or one hundred, we can provide rheological testing using state of the art equipment by Physica and Brookfield.
- Peltier temperature control of sample from -40°C to 200°C for temperature sweep testing
- Cone-Plate and Plate-Plate
- Rotational tests: Flow, Creep & Relaxation
- Oscillatory tests: Stress, Strain, Multiwave
Fuel Cell Testing
Our fuel cell test lab has twenty four small cell and sixteen large cell / small stack SOFC test stations. Each test station can independently control temperature (up to 1000°C), fuel and air flow rate, load, load cycling parameters, and temperature cycling parameters. We can test on hydrogen and reformate fuel mixtures as well as on any number of liquid fuels such as gasoline, diesel or JP-8. We would be happy to provide third party validation services for your materials, or perform customized testing or comparative testing using cells manufactured here.