Materials & Thermal Annual Review 2007-2008resource.npl.co.uk/docs/science...annual_review_08.pdf · This review focuses on how the National Physical Laboratory is addressing the

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Materials & Thermal

Annual Review 2007-2008

Contents

Foreword 5

Key Highlights of 2007-2008 5

Introduction 6

Strategy 7

International 8

Knowledge Transfer 10

2008 and beyond – The Grand Challenges 11

Biomaterials 13

Composites 15

Electrochemistry and Corrosion 17

Electronics Interconnections 19

Engineered Surfaces and Hard Materials 21

Innovative Metals Engineering 23

Materials Modelling 25

Multifunctional Materials 27

Nanomaterials 29

Polymeric Materials 31

Structural Health Monitoring 33

Thermal Performance 35

Temperature 37

Humidity and moisture 39

Materials & Thermal Reports and Published Papers

April 2007 to March 2008 41

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5

Foreword

I am pleased to introduce the 2007-2008 Materials and Thermal Annual Review that provides an overview of key successes of the National Physical Laboratory’s NMS materials and thermal activities over the past year.

Measurement innovation underpins many UK industries, from aerospace through to food processing. Temperature measurement is one of the most signifi cant parameters in virtually all industrial processing, and water vapour touches everything we do. Advanced materials are crucial to the development of the new products, processes and services that are essential for the future of the UK economy.

This review focuses on how the National Physical Laboratory is addressing the key metrology issues in temperature, humidity and materials, highlighting the main developments and impact of the NMS programme this year.

Dr. Robin HartProgramme Manager - Materials & Thermal

John Beddington, Government Chief Scientist, visited NPL and toured the Thermophysical Properties area.

74 papers given at meetings, seminars and conferences.

At least 15 new standards published.

Awards

• Dr Gavin Sutton, and Dr Andrew Levick – NPL Rayleigh Award

• Dr Chris Hunt – International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) 1906 award

• Dr Paul Tomlins – American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) award

• Dr Graham Sims - The Institute of Materials, Mining and Minerals Holliday Prize

6 major conferences organised or attended

16 meetings/workshops organised

5 ISO standards meeting organised/attended

Numerous visits to NPL by SMEs through to multinationals as a result of direct activities

Measurement for Innovators scheme – 22 consultancies, 3 secondments, 3 joint industry projects

Key Highlights of 2007-2008

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Introduction

Temperature and humidity measurement, their use with advanced materials and their associated process technologies make a direct and positive impact on economic growth, the environment and quality of life, through improved processes and products, throughout their lifecycle. Materials technologies and associated processes in the UK contribute an annual turnover of around £200 billion per annum or around 15% of GDP , and underpin many areas of economic activity. The key market sectors that rely on temperature, humidity and materials technologies include:

Aerospace

Energy

Transport (Land and Marine)

Healthcare

Packaging

Textiles

Construction

Defence

Security

Advanced materials form a major part of the Technology Strategy Board strategy and is highlighted as one of their key technology areas.

Lord Sainsbury’s Review “The Race to the Top” highlighted the importance of the National Measurement System (NMS) programme to UK industry, stating that:

“Users of this service, or of goods and services underpinned by measurement standards, include private companies, government agencies (national and local), NHS trusts, public sector research laboratories

and universities. Although its effects are often largely taken for granted, the total economic impact of the NMS is undoubtedly substantial.”

The DIUS NMS programme invests approximately £6.8M per year in materials and thermal metrology at NPL. Figures 1 and 2 indicate how this is allocated by strategic priority and theme. We use this funding to develop measurement methodologies and models for the assessment, prediction and on-going evaluation of a wide variety of materials from initial processing through to the end of their life, thereby ensuring and maintaining fi tness for purpose.

This Materials and Thermal Annual Review outlines NPL’s achievements for the year 2007-2008. It includes a summary of our progress during this time, assesses the impact of our research and sets out our vision for the future success of the Materials and Thermal NMS programme.

The key scientifi c highlights are:

Validated composite testing techniques for thick laminates

Award winning fl ame (combustion) temperature measurement

Modelling uncertainties for thermal conductivity and heat transfer coeffi cients

Cleanliness evaluation of metals

Internal temperature measurement validation (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Development of new physical based model to represent the liquid phase developed

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Strategy

The NMS Materials and Thermal Programme is formulated to promote innovation through metrology, the energy challenges and the need to develop new sustainable technologies.

The current programme includes seven broad technical themes of:

Structural properties

Nanotechnology

Surfaces and electrochemistry

Functional properties

In-situ measurement

Temperature measurement

Humidity and moisture measurement

Each has a key role to play in addressing the following priority areas:

Energy generation and transmission

Environmental sustainability

Transport

Built environment

Advanced manufacturing

Healthcare

Underpinning the above themes and application areas are activities focussed on providing measurements to the level of accuracy required to enable the UK to trade effectively in the global marketplace. This includes provision of SI unit of temperature, the derived unit of humidity and the practical temperature and humidity scales, and on-going commitment to international standards in materials metrology.

Figure 1: Materials/Thermal Programme by strategic priority

Figure 2: Materials/Thermal Programme by theme

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International

NPL’s international projects aim to promote UK best practice globally, and to assess and harness international best measurement practice for the benefi t of UK industry and its ability to compete in world markets.

NPL has very strong and established position internationally in both temperature and humidity. In recognition of this standing, NPL holds the chair of the international (CCT) working groups for Radiation thermometry and Humidity. Recent international efforts in toward improved high temperature measurement have been rapidly developed and disseminated to industry by NPL - viewed recent by the Royal Society as “and example of metrology at its best”.

During the past year, materials metrology and related research have become increasingly accepted as a way forward in industry. NPL’s position as the UK Centre of Excellence in materials metrology provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with technical organisations in the UK, Europe and around the world to establish recognised measurement techniques and standards for materials that will support the competitive position of UK industry.

The most prominent international activities this year have been in three areas:

1. The Versailles Project on Advanced

Materials and Standards (VAMAS) G7

pre-normative standards initiative

NPL participated in the 32nd Steering Committee and seminar, which has drafted a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) intended to shape the future direction of advanced materials and standards development. The MOU allows other countries to participate in the work

programme and to be represented on the Steering Committee. Countries invited to join include Australia, Brazil, China, India, Korea, Mexico, and South Africa.

2. International networking

The Working Group on Materials Metrology (WGMM) was established to review the metrology needs for materials property measurements. It was chaired by NPL’s Deputy Director, Dr Seton Bennett (NPL’s CIPM representative), with Dr Graham Sims appointed as Secretary and providing the materials input. The work of the WGMM in addressing the issues of traceability in materials metrology has recently been recognised at the Comité International des Poids et Mesures Congress of the International Committee for Weights and Measures.

NPL has initiated the development of a MOU with BAM (Bundesanstalt fur Materialforschung und Prüfung), the German establishment responsible for materials national measurement institute work.

NPL also became a founder member of the World Materials Research Institute Forum (WMRIF). Dr Graham Sims has been appointed as chairman of Working Group 4, responsible for “Promotion of databases”. The WMRIF has a membership of 44 organisations worldwide including national measurement institutes and other organisations involved in “public” materials research (e.g. Oak Ridge Laboratory).

NPL is already heavily involved (in fact leading) international efforts on continued developments that are required to improve the practice of high temperature thermometry. In addition, NPL should, through developments in primary

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radiometry, be involved in a fi rm thermodynamic basis for a future international temperature scale.

Given the investment in thermocouple thermometry in recent times, and our high temperature PRTs (HTPRT) capability NPL are in a good position to lead comparisons between Au/Pt thermocouples and HTPRTs, we should be one of the leaders of the PRT Key Comparison (KC).

Any high temperature KC using radiation thermometry is not likely to start until 2012 at the earliest, but as we are leaders in this fi eld it is likely that we should coordinate this KC.

NPL has recently begun a major project, linked to the EMRP, to re-determine the Boltzmann constant in a concerted effort to re-defi ne the kelvin in terms of that fundamental constant. This work is part-funded by the Pathfi nder programme and part funded by an European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP) project. It is likely to lead to practical primary acoustic thermometry in a 5-7 year timeframe for re-inclusion into the temperature group and possibly a new primary hygrometer.

3. International standardisation based on

completed research

NPL continues to actively participate in a large number of committees dedicated to development and revision of standards, and provision of informed and independent expertise that is recognised by industry.

During the last year at least 15 new standards have been published, 12 work items are in progress and a similar number of 5 year revisions have been re-approved.

The committees in which NPL is involved cover a range of key industrial areas, including metals, ceramics and plastics. Currently, representation includes:

ISO/TC206 Advanced technical ceramics

ISO/TC164 Mechanical testing

ISO/TC156 Corrosion of metals and alloys

ISO TC61 Plastics

SC2 Mechanical Properties

SC11 Adhesives

SC13 Composites

CEN + ASTM Tissue Scaffolds

NPL’s status as a recognised provider of high quality expertise has been internationally acknowledged by the ASTM award to Dr Paul Tomlins, and the award of the 2006 Institute of Materials, Mining and Minerals Holliday Prize to Dr Graham Sims based largely on his input into developing a standardisation infrastructure for the polymer composites industry.

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Knowledge Transfer

Knowledge transfer activities for temperature, humidity and materials are focussed on development of new channels to promote the research undertaken as part of the NMS programme. These include working closely with market-facing organisations that share our aim of stimulating innovation within UK industry. These organisations include not only regional development agencies, but also bodies such as Farnborough Aerospace Alliance, West of England Aerospace Forum, Northwest Automotive Alliance, Northwest Aerospace Alliance, East Midlands Aerospace Group, Marine Southeast, and Southeast Health Technologies Association. Knowledge transfers activities intend to promote materials and thermal innovation through meetings, workshops and the use of measurement surgeries.

Direct technology transfer activities have resulted in a number of companies either being visited by NPL representatives, or visiting the NPL laboratories in Teddington. These have ranged from small SMEs and start-ups through to multi-nationals and aerospace prime contractors.

The Measurement for Innovators (MfI) scheme has been an invaluable mechanism for encouraging transfer of knowledge developed as part of the NMS programme. To date twenty-two consultancies, three secondments and three joint industry projects have been created. MfI is regarded by industry as a fl exible scheme that allows expertise developed as part of the NMS programme to be translated into a particular domain.

Temperature, humidity and materials innovations are regularly featured in Engineering Precisely, a major NPL newsletter published quarterly in electronic and paper form with a circulation in excess of 14,000.

NPL has participated in a number of events throughout the year, including the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3) Materials Congress in May 2008 (where Dr Markys Cain was invited to give a paper), MTEC and MACH 2008. Attendance at key materials and market-specifi c events will continue to provide opportunities for NPL to develop new relationships with UK industry.

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2008 and beyond –

The Grand Challenges

The ever-quickening pace of technological change means that the need for metrology and standards is as important as ever. The key challenges faced include the measurement of both the very small and the very large, and the development of the ability to measure properties of materials in-situ. NPL remains committed to keeping the UK at the forefront of international metrology and standardisation, and to helping UK industry compete on the world stage. To achieve this, the future NMS programme will focus on the following:

Development of in-situ user-friendly metrology

Structural health monitoring – ultimate predictive capability

Modelling for metrology at all scales

Multiscale and multiphysics – behaviour of measurement systems and prediction of materials properties

Metrology to meet the energy challenge

Metrology in support of generation (renewable & nuclear) and utilisation of energy (fuel cells and modelling)

Improved high temperature thermometry

Metrology for innovation, design engineering and advanced manufacture

Lightweighting, Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), nanoparticles/composites

Robust; self-validating thermocouples

Dynamic thermometry

Moisture in materials

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The development of biomaterials has a positive impact on millions of people’s quality of life. From improved artifi cial hip joint coatings, to skin repair materials, to contact lenses, and everything in between – all rely on continued innovation in biomaterials science. The global market for biocompatible end-use devices is approximately $50 billion with current annual materials sales of around $1 billion.

NPL supports the UK biomaterials industry by providing access to essential expertise in the key areas of materials science, physical chemistry, and cell biology. We also research and implement innovative methods for biomaterials measurement.

We contribute to standards and codes of practice to ensure effi cient and competitive use of advanced materials and processes.

Biomaterials

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What do we do?

The scope of NPL’s Biomaterials group is to provide metrology support for emerging medical technologies such as regenerative medicine.

This includes work to establish standards and test method protocols for characterising the structure of porous tissue scaffolds and improving the reliability of manufacturing processes in this area. Such underpinning metrology is key to ensuring that new products reach the market as soon as technically and economically possible.

The Biomaterials group work closely with national and international standards bodies as well as regulatory bodies to ensure that the framework required for commercialising new technologies develops in parallel with company R&D activity.

Working with UK companies and universities, as well as European and American partners, the group has published guidance notes on methods for measuring cell adhesion to surfaces, interpreting images of tissue scaffolds, and assessing the roughness of medical implants.

Projects such as these are helping to establish NPL’s position as one of the leaders in healthcare and regenerative medicine metrology.

Recent achievements:

Established a new method for measuring local variations in surface texture

Published 2 ASTM International standard guides, one on how to interpret images of tissue scaffolds, the other on protocols for measuring cell adhesion to surfaces

Developed a simple approach to characterising tissue scaffolds based on permeability coeffi cients

Established a new capability for linking cell behaviour with surface topography and/or chemistry

The future…

To support development of gel-like tissue scaffolds that self-assemble within the body

Develop robust protocols for studying cell surface interactions that go beyond traditional surface characterisation methods

Develop novel approaches to measure time dependent adhesion of cells to surfaces

Explore new methods for imaging cells suspended in gels that can be used to image tissues directly

Contact details Further information

National Physical Laboratory

Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

TW11 0LW

NPL helpline: 020 8943 6880

NPL helpline fax: 020 8614 0446

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.npl.co.uk

Put biomaterials into the search engine

at http://www.npl.co.uk/expertise

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Over recent years industry has seen a revolution in the use of composite materials. Use of composites is commonplace in mobile phones, chemical storage, wind turbines, satellites, and sports equipment. Now they are also used in structural applications in the most demanding industries. For example, composite materials are replacing traditional metals in a range of critical structures in the next generation of commercial aircraft, and are increasingly used in the oil and gas sector because of their excellent fatigue, fi re, and corrosion resistance properties.

New classes of composites are being developed that include nanomaterials. These are being developed with a variety of specifi c properties such as electrical, magnetic, and impact resistance without compromising existing properties.

The increasing use of composites worldwide has led to a need for more accurate measurements during manufacturing and service, as well as a greater understanding of test methods and failure modes.

Composites

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What do we do?

NPL has been at the forefront of developing standards that will help UK industry introduce these new materials in products used around the world.

NPL’s composites activities span from macro-scale (complex engineering components) down to nano-scale (interfaces and nanocomposites).

This includes:

development and standardisation of test methods

generation of design data and modelling (FEA, software, and web-based information systems)

mechanical / thermal testing and analysis

non-destructive evaluation

processing

environmental degradation

nanocomposites

NPL has an extensive range of manufacturing, testing, and analysis facilities. These include autoclave laminate manufacturing, a suite of mechanical test machines capable of creep, fatigue and high rate testing at elevated and sub-ambient temperatures, multiaxial testing, instrumented drop weight impact machine, environmental chambers (including hot/humid environments), thermal analysis (DMA/DSC), ultrasonic C-scan, X-ray radiography, acoustic emission, and electronic speckle pattern interferometry.

The composites team’s strong industrial links have led to a number of successful projects/partnerships including a Technology Programme (TP) project called ACLAIM (Advanced Composite Life Assessment and Integrated Management). NPL is part of a successful consortium for the TP funded project IMAJINE (Innovative MultiMaterials Jointing Integrity Engineering).


Development of 20+ ISO and/or CEN standards

Developed new materials and an innovative clinical procedure for vertebral body augmentation after osteoporotic bone collapse

Published results on mechanical testing of thick composites, which have been well received by industry

Used atomic force microscopy to determine the dimensions of the interphase region surrounding well-bonded and poorly bonded fi bres in glass fi bre-reinforced vinylester pultruded rods

Developed a cost effective technique to determine bond integrity in glass fl ake-reinforced polypropylene composite materials

Submitted four draft test standards that are progressing through ISO TC61/SC2/WG5

Hosted the Royal Society of Chemistry Conference on “Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry” TAC 2008

The future…

Development of biaxial, thick section and high rate test methods

Integrated structural health monitoring and chemical sensing techniques

Measurement techniques to reduce processing time/cost

Nanoparticle sensors and characterisation

Interface and interphase nanomechanical measurement techniques



Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

TW11 0LW





Put composites into the search engine


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Electrochemistry is the enabling process that underpins major technical developments in energy generation and conversion, including fuel cells and battery technology, photo-electrochemical systems, and electrocatalysis. It is also the fundamental basis of the corrosion processes that undermine sustainability and extended service life of structures and components.

NPL’s research targets improved understanding of electrochemical and photo-electrochemical processes and development of associated measurement tools and testing methodologies.

This research provides new insights into fuel cell and photovoltaic performance and in controlling corrosion. This has led to improved materials selection, design, and lifetime management - for example through a suite of testing protocols, notably a series of ISO standards on environment assisted cracking.

Electrochemistry

and Corrosion

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What do we do?

NPL is working with UK industry to provide an improved basis for managing corrosion and cracking in key areas of energy generation and conversion, for example:

performance of materials under evaporative seawater conditions in oil and gas production and transmission

lifetime estimation for existing materials and for introduction of advanced steels for steam turbines

In photovoltaics (PV), NPL is supporting the drive towards improved effi ciency in solar cells for third generation devices. Probes are being developed to explore the relationship between local material structure at different length scales, nano to macro, and the optical characteristics.

The team is also actively helping UK companies develop more effi cient and cost-effective fuel cells. New insights into fuel cell performance are being achieved through in-situ measurement of temperature and humidity, evaluation of catalytic processes on the micro- to nano-metre scale, and modelling of single cells and stacks.

The Lifetime Management of Materials (LMM) service is a highly successful programme that has had signifi cant impact across UK industry by providing advice and expertise in the degradation of a wide range of materials. The LMM service has promoted good practice as well as providing advice to UK companies that has saved millions of pounds.


Oil and gas industry revise guidelines on use of duplex stainless steel for topside installations following NPL recommendations

3 joint industry projects completed successfully: one on relaxation of compressive residual stress induced by shot peening for aerospace industry; another on underdeposit corrosion in oil pipelines; and a third looking at the effect of environment on crack growth rates in steam turbine steels

Novel scanning electrochemical microscopy measurements of fuel cell catalyst distribution

A number of major consultancies providing expert advice on corrosion issues, including:

Wire cracking in advanced gas-cooled boiler closure units

Operation of an evaporator in waste contaminant processing

Fatigue crack growth analysis for a major energy company

Nuclear waste containment consultancy

The future…

Extend development of photovoltaic and fuel cell technologies in collaboration with academic and industrial partners

Development of nanometre scale spatially resolved electrochemical measurement tools

Extend the LMM service across the whole Materials function at NPL



Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

TW11 0LW





Put electrochemistry into the search engine at

http://www.npl.co.uk/expertise

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Over the past two decades the electronics manufacturing industry has faced a series of major challenges - elimination of CFCs, ever increasing miniaturisation, use of new materials and processes, and implementation of lead-free soldering technologies.

Currently, issues relating to the reliability of joints, especially those assembled using new lead-free solders, are amongst the industry’s chief concern. Over the past decade NPL has responded to these worries and has generated a wealth of knowledge which UK industry can tap into.

Electronics

Interconnections

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What do we do?

The NPL Electronics Interconnection team has a worldwide reputation for excellence. The team’s capability covers essential technology areas, including: solder reliability evaluation, interconnect material properties characterisation, PCB assembly, solderability, and SIR process evaluation.

NPL’s work in lead-free soldering has generated expertise in the following areas:

materials characterisation (e.g. new lead-free solders)

components stability and evaluation (e.g. termination fi nish)

PCB design, assembly and performance (e.g. new processing parameters)

joint lifetime and reliability prediction (suite of computer tools available)

joint reliability evaluation (including design, assembly, cycling stress, analysis)

measurements of modulus, creep, fatigue, relaxation

NPL has developed measurement techniques for thermoplastic substrates. Recycling targets will increase the focus on design and materials issues to ease recycling and end of life costs. Material solutions to these problems are in their infancy, and the work at NPL has gone some way to demonstrate that alternative technologies are available, and show acceptable behaviour in test regimes.

To help with miniaturisation issues NPL has built tools that measure the material properties of interconnections, which can then be used in modelling properties. From our data we can develop analytical lifetime models, and hence shorten development times of high reliability products.


Helping industry solve their electronic reliability issues, including:

Processing - life-time and degradation of lead-free solders, and effects of vibration andpower cycling

SIR testing to assess the electrochemical reliability of electronic assemblies with different solder materials, cleaning process, rework fl ux, conformal coatings

Impedance techniques to measure electrochemical corrosion of lead-free process residues in electronic assemblies

Electro-migration in solders

Measurements of electric, dielectric and thermal properties of PCB materials

Test methods for processing conductive adhesives at benign temperatures for sensitive parts

Characterisation of thermoplastic substrates, which have applications in a recycling context

Effect of solder joint aysmmetricity on thermal mechanical fatigue

Using solderability testing and micro-section to investigate solder ball formation

Shear testing to evaluate the shear reliability of solder joints with new PCB fi nish materials

The future…

Increased work on miniaturisation and sustainability, in particular work on material properties of interfaces

Development of tools for interconnections in organic/fl exible electronics

Development of improved electronics packaging

Continued work on extreme environment test methods for validation of components



Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

TW11 0LW





Put electronic interconnections into the search engine at


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Development of new materials is essential to the competitiveness of many industries. In order to introduce innovative materials into new products it is vital that their performance at relevant scales can be predicted through the rigorous understanding of test, damage, and failure mechanisms.

To help understand these mechanisms NPL is developing novel measurement techniques that meet industry’s requirements, and will help industry overcome new challenges posed by today’s high tech manufacturing processes.

Engineered

Surfaces and

Hard Materials

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What do we do?

NPL has considerable experience in understanding performance prediction by validated mechanical tests on scales relevant to structure of materials. This provides industry with an understanding of deformation and damage mechanisms for engineered surfaces and hard materials.

The group has expertise in:

tribological testing

advanced scanning electron microscopy

nano-micro-macro mechanical testing

testing at elevated temperatures

dynamic testing

statistical failure mechanics for brittle materials

evaluation of ultrafi ne microstructures

Technical work is backed up by comprehensive facilities including micro-tribology test systems, microscopy including Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electron Back Scatter Diffraction (EBSD), 3D optical, acoustical based mechanical tests, slow crack growth facility for brittle materials, and elevated temperature miniaturised testing facilities.

The group continues to work closely with UK industry and academia, including Sandvik, Hilti, H.C.Starck, ALMT and Element 6 (formerly DeBeers), Hardmetals Research Group (supporting several SMEs), Sheffi eld Hallam University and Queen Mary’s College.


Developed lab testing of polycrystalline diamond

Developed a safety code for selection and testing of window materials critical to the safe functioning of the ITER fusion project (in support of UKAEA)

Validation of a new system for liquid jet erosion testing - tests have been carried out on a range of WC/Co hardmetals

Developed and applied a new micro-tribology test system to the investigation of evolution of micro-mechanisms of wear for WC/Co hardmetals. A new in-situ micro-scratch tests system for use in the high resolution SEM is nearing completion

The future… Development of energy based techniques for mechanical property evaluation

Understand statistical basis for mechanical performance of hard materials

Invest in mesoscale tribology and nanotribology

Development of microstructural assessment techniques including EBSD to support the activities above



Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

TW11 0LW





Put surfaces into the search engine


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With the pace of innovation in metals engineering ever quickening it is of increasing importance that these new materials are characterised and tested rigorously.

Increasing demands on material performance are being made as operating conditions and life times are extended, and new alloys are introduced in safety-critical high value applications in aerospace, automotive, energy production, manufacturing, and processing industries.

NPL provides leadership in development of measurement standards, as well as fundamental understanding in the characterisation, processing, modelling, and testing of metals.

Through working with industry we have helped reduce costs, improve quality, and understand the demands for new products throughout their life cycle and across a wide range of sectors, from transport, to energy, to construction.

Innovative Metals

Engineering

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What do we do?

NPL has successfully developed innovative methods and data for the characterisation and modelling of advanced metallic systems, over the whole component lifecycle. This impacts on metal processing technologies, materials development, performance, lifetime, residual stress, structural integrity, corrosion, high temperature degradation and recycling.

NPL’s expertise in this area spans:

residual stress

strain measurement

durability

metals and high temperature degradation

thermophysical property measurements

mechanical properties

plant life prediction in extreme environments

electron and optical microscopy

Our state-of-the-art facilities include:

a suite of static and fatigue test machines

electro thermal mechanical testers

creep frames

steam oxidation rig

full-fi eld 3D digital image correlation (DIC)

scanning indentation mechanical microprobe (SIMM)

impulse excitation equipment

dilatometers

ultrasonic kit

laser fl ash

high temperature viscometer

3D microscopy and metallography suite

We work very closely with UK companies, in particular those working in metal processing, aerospace, automotive, power generation, and nuclear.


Work on heat fl ux measurement and modelling kinetics of oxide scale development in high temperature steam rigs Feasibility study to examine microhardness and ultrasonic techniques for measuring residual stress Development and application of ultrasonics and digital image correlation techniques for measuring the Poisson’s ratio of graphite Characterisation of metal matrix landing gear components Good practice guide written on grain size measurements of complex microstructures by electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD), and input into new EBSD standard Led an intercomparison exercise in VAMAS TWA20 supporting X-ray diffraction (XRD) residual stress standard development, and new TWA32 initiated on modulus measurement Input into CEN standard for residual stress measurement by XRD Updated XRD facility for improved high accuracy residual stress, thin fi lm and diffraction measurements New capability for measuring thermal expansion of electronics using digital image correlation Industry workshops on optical techniques for measuring residual stress and modulus measurement, in conjunction with the British Society for Strain Measurement

The future… Increased work in “lightweighting” metrology Work towards improved effi ciency and extended life for power generation plants Development of miniaturised test methods to determine small component properties, and properties of localised areas Applying multiscale strain measurement to the above as an underpinning technology



Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

TW11 0LW





Put metals into the search engine at


25

Using computer models to test and predict materials properties can save a huge amount of money, and get your product to market quicker. As more and more new materials are developed, the need to rapidly and accurately model their properties has never been greater.

Once a material’s properties have been determined a manufacturer is better placed to make predictions of that material’s in-service performance.

NPL is working on a number of advanced modelling techniques, from atomic level right through to behaviour of entire systems, and across a range of environments.

We also work very closely with industry to help validate models and solve emerging problems.

Materials Modelling

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What do we do?

NPL’s materials modelling group are actively exploring a range of advanced modelling techniques. At the molecular scale, materials chemistry and molecular dynamics can provide insights into fundamental material properties. At the other end of the scale, fi nite element analysis, composite property and laminate damage modelling, and heat and mass transfer modelling allow us to look at the behaviour of entire systems. In between, behaviour of parts in microfl uidic machines and atomic force microscopes are also being investigated.

Visualisation methods are also being developed to ensure that non-scientists can also use the models.

The team’s current focus of modelling research includes:

multiscale - predicting behaviour of complex materials across a range of length and time scales

heat transfer in polymer processing – predicting cycle times in injection moulding

thermodynamic data – NPL has developed a software product, MTDATA, which calculates phase diagrams from thermodynamic data

heat and mass transport – TherMOL software developed to determine these properties for oxides, polymers, adhesives, composites, and biomaterials

multi-physics – use of FE software to develop transient models for diffusion in the presence of temperature, pressure, composition, and electrical potential gradients

fi nite element (FE) analysis – inverse modelling methods to derive accurate materials property data for use in general FE analyses


Development of a thermodynamic database that allows the distribution of material between cement and the aqueous phase to be predicted using a scientifi cally credible cement lattice model

Development of a thermodynamic database for lead-free solders in collaboration with a large number of industrial partners

Production of software using molecular parameters from ab initio quantum mechanics to derive thermodynamic data for gaseous species for subsequent use with MTDATA

Application of Maxwell’s methodology to prediction of thermoelastic properties of particulate and fi bre reinforced composites

Modelling of fatigue damage in composite laminates

Prototype software linking MTDATA and TherMOL to predict transient thermal transport through a material taking into account any changes of material phase

The future…

Development of fuel cell models for single and multi-cell systems

Prediction of industrially relevant surface properties for solid / gas systems

Development of an advanced capability in modelling how gases, liquids, and solids behave in the real world from a fundamental knowledge of the properties of the atoms and molecules present

Integration of non-equilibrium and equilibrium thermodynamics for application at molecular, micro, and macro scales



Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

TW11 0LW





Put materials modelling into the search engine


27

Multifunctional materials can perform multiple “primary” functions simultaneously or sequentially. They are developed to improve system performance through a reduction of redundancy between subsystem materials and functions.

For example, the integration of micron scale sensing and actuators allows development of miniaturised smart systems and structures that can respond to environmental stimulus in a well-defi ned way. Piezo-ceramic actuators provide highly controllable solid-state motion with low power, noise, and electromagnetic emissions. They have many innovative uses and are important in fuel injectors, printing machines, micro-systems, and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS).

The ability to characterise the performance of these materials within real-world environments will enable industry to improve design, reduce production times and even develop new designs and products.

Multifunctional

Materials

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What do we do?

NPL’s multifunctional materials team is one of the UK’s leading research groups in the fi eld with expertise that spans piezoelectric materials, magnetic materials, multiferroics, shape memory alloys, and electronic ceramics.

The team is developing new measurement capabilities in characterising the dielectric and functional properties of piezoelectric materials under conditions of extreme temperature and humidity. This research has led to the early detection of damage in piezo materials used in critical applications including ultrasonic imaging probes for prostrate cancer diagnosis and diesel injectors.

Functional thin fi lms have been highlighted as being very important over the next fi ve years in a number of applications, including micro-actuators and micro-motors (MEMS), capacitors and other thin fi lm devices. NPL are working on thin-fi lm metrology of both functional dielectric and magnetic fi lms, and on dielectric waveguide refl ectometry to meet the demands of these emerging technologies.

The team works with a number of leading industrial and academic partners. Our principal researchers chair, and are on the board of, a variety of technical standards committees, related to multifunctional materials.

NPL has jointly launched, and is a founding member of, the Piezo Institute - Europe’s fi rst institute of piezoelectric materials and devices. This network allows open access to the cutting edge capabilities of the network’s members.


Development of a new method for multiferroic-coupling in thin fi lms

Assessment of the magnetic capability of a London airport’s runway

Developed measurement capability for determining the DC properties of soft magnetic materials under stress

Established unique ability to measure direct and indirect materials coeffi cient accurately

Commissioned new system for traceable small-scale dielectric measurements that produces measurements in line with theory

Recent paper on a new magnetic recording read head technology won an Institute of Physics best paper award

Discovered how an electron imaging crystallographic technique (EBSD) can help reveal the intrinsic properties of ultra thin fi lms of ferroelectric materials

The future…

We aim to become Europe’s leading institute for multi-functional, closely-coupled, materials metrology research

Development of new nanoscale scanning probe metrologies for traceable measurement of ferroically coupled materials

Development of new methods to explore soft magnetic and MF materials in extreme conditions

Application of our existing metrology to complex environments



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search engine at http://www.npl.co.uk/expertise

29

Nanotechnology stands to pave the way for a revolution in materials as it matures from laboratory research into industrial products. Opportunities for use of nanomaterials are emerging across a range of sectors including energy, space, communication, and life sciences.

NPL is playing a leading role in international efforts to develop standards, terminology, and measurement techniques in this emerging fi eld.

This work represents an important step in the development of internationally accepted standards for safe, effective, and innovative use of nanomaterials – and NPL’s lead role represents a clear competitive advantage for UK industry.

Nanomaterials

30

What do we do?

NPL’s research in nanomaterials focuses on developing traceable methods to measure transport and interaction at the nanoscale. The team is focused on the structural properties of nanomaterials, the interactions between nano-components, and transport across boundaries in nanostructured materials.

The team is leading a European project to provide traceable standards and procedures to determine the size, shape, and distribution of nanoparticles and nanotubes with an accuracy of better than 1 nanometre. This is an important breakthrough in a wider effort to develop traceable standards for nanoparticles of less than 50 nanometres.

Current research includes:

characterisation of bio-bonds, such as hybridised DNA, and self-assembly

development of new traceable standards and procedures to determine size, shape, and distribution of nanoparticles

nanoscale electronic transport in polymer semiconductor

identifi cation and characterisation of hydrophobic surfaces’ critical features (both micro and nano-scale)

thermal and electronic properties of advanced ceramics

The team also provide a number of services to industry in this area including scanning probe metrology and analytical transmission microscopy.

NPL’s continued involvement in CEMMNT (Centre of Excellence for Metrology in Micro and Nanotechnology) allows UK companies access to state of the art measurement, characterisation, analytical, and systems engineering services.


Established microfl uidic capability

Measurement of biological interactions’ strength using single molecule atomic force microscopy in an ongoing EU-funded project

Characterisation of nanoparticles using a range of techniques including Dynamic Light Scattering and Transmission Electron Microscopy

Observation of pronounced droplet ‘pinning’ effect in an ongoing surface wettability and patterning project

Finalised designs of a nanorheometer, and a nanomechanical scratch tester for use inside a scanning electron microscope

Established capabilities to measure nanoscale electronic transport in plastic electronics

Commenced work on a European Space Agency project on the potential use of nanomaterials in the space industry

The future… Development of traceable measurement of nanomaterials’ physical properties using scanning probe microscopy

Development of traceable measurements of size, shape, and charge of nanoparticles

Development of traceable measurement techniques for energy transport and conversion in nanomaterials



Hampton Road

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United Kingdom

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31

The use of polymeric materials in novel and innovative products, for example in polymer electronics and medical devices, is increasing across a wide range of industries. This brings with it a host of new challenges in areas such as processing and product design, amongst others.

NPL is supporting innovative uses of polymeric materials by investigating their performance to ensure they are fi t for purpose, as well as establishing standards for their use in safety critical applications, such as medical devices.

The materials properties investigated are relevant to many stages of a product’s lifecycle - from materials qualifi cation and specifi cation, through product and manufacturing process design, to the prediction of lifetime performance.

A signifi cant and growing area of work is the development of miniaturised measurement technology and measurements for nano-particulate fi lled materials, with increasing emphasis on micro-processing technologies.

Polymeric Materials

32

What do we do?

The focus of the Polymeric Materials Group is on the development of measurements for micro-processing (e.g. micro-moulding, micro-fl uidics), product performance and lifetime prediction, and on nano-composites.

These include:

rheological testing

thermal conductivity and heat transfer measurements

extensive mechanical testing

micro- and nano-indentation

microfl uidics particle image velocimetry

dynamic light scattering

numerical modelling

NPL has focused on industrially relevant issues such as:

measurement methods for heat transfer properties data of polymers

metrology of fl uid properties for micro-processing

fl ow properties of fi lled materials

knowledge based design with plastics

The group has long established industrial collaborations across a number of industry sectors, including P&G, Lombard Medical, AstraZeneca, Lucite, Biocomposites Ltd, Crown Packaging, MIRA, and Unilever.

In addition, the group works closely with academia, in particular Edinburgh University and Bradford University.


Developed new measurement facility for determining heat transfer coeffi cients of interfaces, related to polymer processing

Measurement of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of plastics over an elevated temperature range

Identifi ed easy method for modelling the effect of air-gaps due to shrinkage in injection moulding

Developed and validated novel disposable extrusion rheometry method, suited to characterising curing systems

Developed improved melt fl ow rate method, enabling measurement of materials that are prone to degradation

Developed and validated a PZT piezoelectric cantilever instrument for viscosity measurement

Identifi cation of measurement issues for very high rate rotational rheometry

Analysis of thermal effects in rheometry

Development of theory to produce solutions for arbitrary stress states and stress histories for creep deformation of plastics

The future…

We aim to become the leading centre for polymeric materials metrology

Development of micro-mechanical characterisation method for thin fi lms

Simultaneous measurement of reaction kinetics and fl ow fi eld kinematics in micro-fl uidic devices



Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

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Put polymeric into the search engine


33

There is a widespread industrial need to monitor large structures, such as bridges, buildings, and aircraft to gain an insight into their physical health.

A reliable predictive structural health monitoring system enables engineers to schedule maintenance work at the best time – meaning reduced running costs, and increased safety.

NPL is conducting research at the cutting edge of structural health monitoring (SHM), a current focus of the team is developing a SHM system that is as easy to understand as traffi c lights. The aim of the system is to provide early warning of potential problems and to be a sophisticated indicator of a structure’s lifetime.

Structural Health

Monitoring

34

What do we do?

NPL is assessing many traditional and novel sensors for monitoring structures such as bridges and industrial machinery, and also the environments outside and within those structures. The Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) team is also investigating data mining and visualisation techniques that can help extract and present information.

The team’s strain measurement and mapping expertise includes:

fi bre optics (fi bre Bragg grating)

digital image correlation

electronic speckle pattern interferometry

NPL’s research is focused on accelerating uptake of combined and multi-modal monitoring methods that support total life-cycle management of user-critical devices, structures and systems. This will be achieved by creating industrial demonstrators for transport, civil engineering structures and the energy sector, which will ensure high impact and maximised UK uptake of this technology. Selection of the demonstrators has been infl uenced by the ability to cover several materials including metallic, composite, and concrete. Sensor types will include full fi eld displacement measurements provided by Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and embedded sensors such as fi bre Bragg gratings, wireless sensing and local chemical environmental measurement for investigating corrosion.

New SHM techniques are currently being tested on a 1960s 15 tonne concrete bridge, currently the largest specimen ever tested at NPL. The bridge is undergoing accelerated ageing and loading until it fails, whilst being monitored using innovative methods. Once the bridge fails and is then repaired using composite materials, it will be tested again to see how effective the repair was showing the potential for instrumented repair patches.


Created a civil engineering based Industrial Advisory Group (IAG) that includes signifi cant involvement from SMEs

Completed the move of the NPL footbridge to create an in situ test specimen

Continued development of techniques to allow full fi eld strain measurement using DIC to follow displacements and strains in the bridge specimen as it degrades - these techniques will be applicable to other civil engineering structures

Continued development of relationships with industrial partners in the following key sectors:

Transport infrastructure Nuclear Defence

The future…

Develop lifetime prediction for structures, augmented with sensor data

Lead the UK focus for SHM with academic partners

Instigate case studies for tunnel and bridge inspection

Develop new frequency selective surfaces sensors for concrete: low cost SHM

Start data collection/sensor intercomparisons on bridge specimen



Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

TW11 0LW





Put structural health monitoring into the search engine


35

Concerns about the Earth’s changing climate, not to mention energy security, have stimulated the UK government to set challenging energy conservation targets. The fi rst is to ensure that all new homes are “carbon neutral” by 2016, and the second is that the UK will reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 60% of 1990 levels by 2050. To help achieve this, building regulations are going to be tightened every 4 years to drive a reduction in the amount of energy used in existing buildings.

The thermal measurement group at NPL is playing an important part in implementing these policies by helping to ensure that the best materials and structures are selected for use in buildings.

Thermal

Performance

36

What do we do?

NPL’s thermal performance team is internationally well respected and boasts a comprehensive range of facilities for measurement of thermal performance of materials and structures used in buildings, pipe insulation, high temperature insulation and refractories and engineering materials from plastics and ceramics to metals and alloys.

State of the art facilities include:

guarded hot plate (GHP) apparatus for measuring insulation up to 250mm thick

vacuum GHP apparatus (-50°C to 80°C) and very low temperature GHP (-170°C)

high temperature GHP (+800°C)

axial heat fl ow apparatus for metals and alloys (+500°C)

pipe insulation thermal transference facility – 48mm and 89 mm internal diameter (+250°C)

rotatable hot box capable of carrying out thermal transmittance measurements in all orientations

The team also regularly supplies reference materials and structures to companies as well as other National Measurement Institutes. A large number of companies approach NPL routinely for help in how to navigate complex measurement and regulation issues in this area. Further support for industry is provided through development of apparatus to meet emerging needs.


Designed, built, commissioned, and validated a new high temperature guarded hot plate apparatus

Validated Europe’s only cryogenic temperature hot plate apparatus to ISO 8302 specifi cations and put it into service

Designed, built, commissioned, validated and put into service UK’s only pipe insulation thermal transference facility

Helped a large number of UK companies obtain CE marking for their products through access to NPL’s unrivalled measurement facilities

Characterised a new high temperature reference material

The future…

Investigate methods of measuring and modelling the dynamic thermal performance of high thermal inertia buildings

Investigate methods of measuring the thermal performance of innovative building designs and products using passive solar heat gain

Determine ratio of conductive to radiant heat transfer through high temperature insulation materials

Increased activity on validating calculation procedures and software



Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

TW11 0LW





Put thermal performance into the search engine


Temperature is one of the most signifi cant measurement parameters in virtually all industrial processing. The production of steel, petrochemicals, glass, ceramics, plastics and countless other materials is critically dependant on temperature.

Its proper measurement is crucial to the management and modelling of the local and global environment. It is a vital parameter in healthcare, manufacturing, defence, power production and almost every area of technological endeavour.

NPL provides and disseminates the UK’s primary realisation of the SI unit of temperature, and effective dissemination of the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS 90) for the benefi t of the UK user community.

It also ensures that temperature measurement in the UK is harmonised with that of other countries through active participation in international key comparisons and plays a leading role in international committees such as CCT.

Temperature

37

38

What do we do?

The temperature group at NPL is world-leading in radiation thermometry, high temperature measurement, and improvement of high temperature thermocouples and fi xed-points. The group is one of the leading laboratories in Europe for contact thermometry.

The group has strong impact in the high value manufacturing (aerospace, defence, transport) and the healthcare sectors. This is through improving sensor technology, reducing tolerances (robust high temperature sensors, fi xed-points) and supporting innovative measurement advances (e.g. MRI and clinical thermometry). It also provides key support to temperature sensor and instrument manufacture through providing top level UKAS capability and helping support innovation through knowledge transfer.

We act as a focus for temperature measurement challenges, providing real solutions to real problems in industries such as defence, aerospace and manufacturing.

In addition, facilities are available for:

Calibration of standard long-stem platinum resistance thermometers

Supply and calibration of thermocouples

Calibration of digital indicators and industrial platinum resistance thermometers

Supply of temperature fi xed-points for calibration of standard platinum resistance thermometers and thermocouples

Calibration of radiation thermometers and blackbody sources

Supply of NPL fi xed-point and variable temperature blackbodies

Calibration and supply of pyrometric lamps

Access to world leading temperature measurement experts for consultancy and training


First laboratory in the world to gain UKAS accreditation for calibration of thermocouples using the cobalt-carbon eutectic fi xed-point – providing much needed reduced high temperature uncertainties to the high value manufacturing sector

Development of robust platinum/palladium thermocouples – providing high temperature sensors with greatly improved uncertainty for use in heat treatment of aircraft engine components

Development and successful fi eld-testing of a thermometer which can withstand, and measure the temperature of, an explosion

World’s fi rst MRI internal temperature standards trialled – providing assistance to the innovation of new medical temperature measurement techniques

The future… Improvement of contact thermometry between 1500-2000 °C

Realisation of absolute temperature above the Silver point (961.78 °C), with world-beating uncertainties

Validation of internal temperature measurement (MRI) – aid adoption and development of technique

Establishment of validation and calibration methods for thermal imaging systems – aid adoption and uptake of new technology

Supporting leading research on the redefi nition of the Kelvin in terms of the Boltzmann constant

As chair of the CCT-WG5, NPL leads the development of the new high temperature scale comparison in absolute radiometry



Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

TW11 0LW





Put temperature into the search engine


39

Water vapour touches everything we do. Wherever it is present, it contacts materials, infl uencing a vast range of physical, chemical and biological processes. Structures may deform or lose strength when their water content changes. Water is a key agent in corrosion, and is critical to the formation and structure of chemicals from simple salts upwards. Bacterial, fungal and all higher plant and animal life forms incorporate water and depend on fi nely balanced interactions with water. Measurement of humidity is of widespread importance, and can be critical to product quality, reliability and lifespan.

NPL provides humidity standards and disseminates traceability for humidity measurements. Hygrometers are used to measure humidity in widely varying applications: this drives increasing interest in humidity calibrations for a range of pressures and gases. There is also established and growing interest in the interaction between gas humidity and material moisture content, and in measuring moisture content directly.

Humidity and

moisture

40

What do we do?

NPL is a world-leading provider of primary humidity standards giving traceability to measurements of relative humidity, dew-point temperature, and other humidity quantities, throughout the UK and more widely. NPL performs humidity calibrations for over 90 customers, in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, instrumentation, power generation, telecommunications and precision engineering, as well as for general calibration and testing laboratories.

Calibrations cover diverse humidity instruments, including relative humidity sensors, dew-point hygrometers, psychrometers, spectrometers, humidity generators, climatic chambers and others. Calibrations of air temperature sensors are also provided. Mobile facilities enable NPL to carry out humidity calibrations or measurements at customer premises. We continue to develop and extend our capabilities according to demand.

NPL is a leading infl uence in national and international technical committees relevant to humidity measurement.

NPL also provides a highly regarded humidity training course; humidity measurement advice and consultancy; in-depth measurement studies; and design and construction of humidity generators.


Fuel cells – NPL has made ground-breaking measurements of temperature and humidity in-situ along gas fl ow paths in a hydrogen fuel cell. This provides detailed information on fuel cell operation, and will give vital boundary condition data for modelling of fuel cell electrochemistry.

A new measurement facility for moisture in materials has been initiated. This covers techniques of loss-on-drying, evolved gas analysis, microwave absorption, and ancillary equipment.

NPL has taken over chairmanship of the top international humidity working group dealing with international comparisons and harmonisation.

The future… Introduction of water vapour fl ux calibration service, providing traceability for skin water loss measurements for medical research and workplace skin monitoring

Humidity calibrations at elevated pressures (initially to 10 atmospheres) for hygrometers used with compressors, air dryers and compressed air supplies

Humidity calibrations in non-air gases –natural gas (or methane) is of main interest

Moisture in materials facility to be fully commissioned and available for measurement services and studies of substances, instruments and reference materials



Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

United Kingdom

TW11 0LW





Put humidity into the search engine


41

Reports

Materials

On the preparation of textured surfaces for cell adhesion/differentiation studies. Lam, J K, Winkless, L, Shard, A G, Tomlins, P E MAT 14, March 2008

Electrochemical impedance technique to predict circuit reliability with lead-free solders. Zou, L, Hunt, C MAT 15, March 2008

Test method for recyclable electronic substrates utilising additive technology. Wickham, M, Zou, L, Hunt, C MAT 16, March 2008

The effect of heat transfer coeffi cients and thermal conductivity on polymer processing simulation. Dawson, A, Urquhart, J M, Rides, M MAT 17, March 2008

Scanning electrochemical microscopy activity mapping of model fuel cell catalyst fi lms. Nicholson, P, Zhou, S, Hinds, G, Turnbull, A MAT 20, March 2008

On the fabrication of model proton exchange membrane fuel cell catalyst fi lms. Nicholson, P MN 3, March 2008

PAMRIC: Properties of Alloys and Moulds Relevant to Investment Casting. Chapman, L A, Morrell, R, Quested, P N, Brooks, R F, Chen, L-H*, Ford, D* MAT 9, January 2008

The measurement of the thermal conductivity of amorphous polymers above glass transition temperatures. Dawson, A, Rides, M, Allen, C R G MAT 7, December 2007

Evaluation of the thermal performance of insulation systems used in roof structures. Williams, R G, Ballard, G MAT 8, December 2007

Reliability of electronic substrates after processing at lead-free soldering temperatures. Wickham, M, Dusek, M, Hunt, C MAT 10, December 2007

Characterising solder mask performance. Brewin, A, Willis, B MAT 5, November 2007

Preliminary measurements for thermoplastic electronics: developing a stress screening test. Wickham, M, Zou, L, Hunt, C MAT 6, November 2007

The use of the melt fl ow rate method for moisture sensitive materials and an evaluation of the uncertainties in melt fl ow rate measurement. Rides, M, Allen, C R G MAT 3, September 2007

High-frequency vibration tests of Sn-Pb and lead-free solder joints. Di Maio, D, Hunt, C MAT 2, August 2007

XRF measurement of residual materials in electronics. Wickham, M, Hunt, C MAT 4, August 2007

Susceptibility of lead-free systems to electrochemical migration. Zou, L, Hunt, C MAT 1, May 2007

Relative reliability measurements for electrically conductive adhesive joints on subtractive thermoplastic substrates. Wickham, M, Hunt, C MN 2, May 2007

Oxidation studies on miniaturised mechanical test pieces. Roebuck, B MN 1, April 2007

Thermal

Needs for NMS support for measurements of moisture in materials. Carroll, P A, Bell, S A ENG 7, May 2008

The examination of base parameters for ITS-90 scale realisation in radiation thermometry. EUROMET.T-S1 (EUROMET Project 658) Main measurement report (fi nal version). McEvoy, H C ENG 2, December 2007

Materials & Thermal Reports and Published Papers

April 2007 to March 2008.

42

GuidesNon-destructive assessment of coating adhesion. Maxwell, A S, Rudlin, J* Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 100 , June 2007

The assessment of damage tolerance under long-term loading. Gower, M R L, Shaw, R M, Sims, G D Measurement Good Practice Guide No. 101 , May 2007

Papers

Materials

Experimental evaluation of a piezoelectric cantilever for characterising the rheological properties of fl uids. Rides, M, Allen, C R G, Yan, F* AERC 2007 4th Annual European Rheology Conference, 12-14 April 2007, Napolli, Italy, 212

Strain development in nanoporous metallic foils formed by dealloying. Schofi eld, E J*, Ingham, B*, Turnbull, A, Toney, M F*, Ryan, M P* Appl. Phys. Lett., 2008, 92, (4), 043118

NPL aims to overcome failings in MFR testing. Rides, M British Plastics & Rubber, 2008, (Feb), 21

NPL is working to determine heat transfer properties. Rides, M British Plastics & Rubber, 2008, (Feb), 18

A computational interface for thermodynamic calculations software MTDATA. Huang, Z H*, Conway, P P*, Thomson, R C*, Dinsdale, A T, Robinson, J A J* CALPHAD - Comput. Coupling Phase Diagr. Thermochem., 2008, 32, (1), 129-134

Threshold temperature for stress corrosion cracking of duplex stainless steel under evaporative seawater conditions. Hinds, G, Turnbull, A Corrosion, 2008, 64, (2), 101-106

A portable technique for the contactless measurement of magnetoresistance using infrared fi ber optics. Vopsaroiu, M, Stanton, T*, Deakin, T*, Artyushenko, V G*, Thompson, S M* IEEE Trans. Magn., 2007, 43, (6), 2767-2769

Characterisation of Nimonic 90 by the use of miniaturised multiproperty mechanical and physical tests. Roebuck, B, Loveday, M S*, Brooks, M Int. J. Fatigue, 2008, 30, (2), 345-351

Analysis of a European TMF intercomparison exercise. Loveday, M S*, Bicego, V*, Hahner, P*, Kungelhoffer, H*, Kuhn, H-J*, Roebuck, B Int. J. Fatigue, 2008, 30, (2), 382-390

Research and development into a European strain-controlled thermo-mechanical code-of-practice for fatigue testing. Hahner, P*, Rinaldi, C*, Bicego, V*, Affeldt, E*, Brendel, T*, Andersson, H*, Beck, T*, Klingelhoffer, H*, Kuhn, H J*, Koster, A*, Loveday, M S, Marchionni, M*, Rae, C* Int. J. Fatigue, 2008, 30, (2), 372-381

Thermo-mechanical fatigue testing of superalloys using miniature specimens. Pahlavanyali, S*, Rayment, A*, Roebuck, B, Drew, G*, Rae, C M F* Int. J. Fatigue, 2008, 30, (2), 397-403

Elevated temperature fatigue testing of hardmetals using notched testpieces. Roebuck, B, Maderud, C*, Morrell, R Int. J. Refrac. Hard Mat., 2008, 26, (1), 19-27

Stress state characterization of delamination cracks in [0/90] symmetric laminates by BEM. Blazquez, A*, Mantic, V*, Paris, F*, McCartney, L N Int. J. Solids Struct., 2008, 45, (6), 1632-1662

Multiferroic magnetic recording read head technology for 1Tb/in2 and beyond. Vopsaroiu, M, Blackburn, J, Muniz-Piniella, A, Cain, M G J. Appl. Phys., 2008, 103, 07F506

PZT thick fi lms on different cramic substrates; piezoelectric measurements. Ursic, H*, Lowe, M*, Stewart, M, Hrovat, M*, Belavic, D*, Holc, J*, Zarnik, M S*, Kosec, M*, Cain, M G J. Electroceram., 2008, 20, (1), 11-16

Grain size measurement by EBSD in complex hot deformed metal alloy microstructures. Mingard, K P, Roebuck, B, Bennett, E G, Thomas, M*, Wynne, B P*, Palmiere, E J* J. Microsc., 2007, 227, (3), 298-308

The indentation size effect and hall-petch behaviour of annealed polycrystalline copper. Hou, X, Zhu, T T*, Jennett, N M, Bushby, A J* Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc., 2007, 976, 0976-EE09-10

Residual stress relaxation in shot peened high strength low alloy steel. Turnbull, A, Pitts, J J*, Lord, J D Mater. Sci. Technol., 2008, 24, (3), 327-334

Weathering of recycled photo-degraded polyethylene. Maxwell, A S Polm. Eng. Sci., 2008, 48, (2), 381-385

43

Prediction of environmental stress cracking resistance in polyethylenes. Maxwell, A S, Pilkington, G Polm. Eng. Sci., 2008, 48, (2), 360-364

Prediction of environmental stress cracking resistance in linear low density polyethylenes. Maxwell, A S, Pilkington, G Polym. Eng. Sci., 2008, 48, (2), 360-364

Weathering of recycled photo-degraded polyethylene. Maxwell, A S Polym. Eng. Sci., 2008, 48, (2), 381-385

Maxwell’s far-fi eld methodology applied to the prediction of properties of multi-phase isotropic particulate composites. McCartney, L N, Kelly, A* Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A, 2008, 464, (2090), 423-446

EBSD examination of worn WC/Co hardmetals surfaces. Mingard, K P, Gee, M G Wear, 2007, 263, (1-6), 643-652

A cost effective system for micro-tribology experiments. Gee, M G, Gee, A D* Wear, 2007, 263, (7-12), 1484-1491

Wear mechanisms in abrasion of WC/Co and related hardmetals. Gee, M G, Gant, A J, Roebuck, B Wear, 2007, 263, (1-6), 137-148

A new concept in liquid jet erosion: commissioning and proving trials. Gant, A J, Gee, M G, Plint, G* Wear, 2007, 263, (1-6), 284-288

Thermal

The freezing behaviour of high purity elements for realising the international temperature scale. Davies, H, Gray, J, Quested, P N, Head, D I, Pearce, J, de Podesta, M SP07 Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Solidifi cation Processing, 23-25 July 2007, Sheffi eld, UK, 360-364

Construction and investigation of PT/PD thermocouples in the frame of the EUROMET project 857. Edler, F*, Morice, R*, Pearce, J Int. J. Thermophysics, 2008, 29, (1), 199-209

Optimising heat treatment of gas turbine blades with a Co-C fi xed point for improved in-service thermocouples. Pearce, J V, Machin, G, Ford, T*, Wardle, S* Int. J. Thermophysics, 2008, 29, (1), 222-230

Optimising contact thermometry high temperature fi xed point cells (>1100 ºC) using fi nite element analysis. Pearce, J V, Lowe, D H, Head, D I, Machin, G Int. J. Thermophysics, 2008, 29, (1), 250-260

High-temperature fi xed points facilities for improved thermocouple calibrations - EUROMET project 857. Morice, R*, Edler, F*, Pearce, J, Machin, G, Fischer, J*, Filtz, J R* Int. J. Thermophysics, 2008, 29, (1), 231-240

Optimising the implementation of high temperature fi xed-points through the use of thermal modelling. Machin, G, Wright, L, Lowe, D, Pearce, J Int. J. Thermophysics, 2008, 29, (1), 261-270

Progress towards the determination of the relationship of triple-point temperature versus isotopic composition of neon. Pavese, F*, Fellmuth, B*, Hill, K D*, Head, D I, Hermier, Y*, Lipinski, L*, Nakano, T*, Peruzzi, A*, Sakurai, H*, Szmyrka-Grzebyk, A*, Steele, A G*, Steur, P P M*, Tamura, O*, Tew, W L*, Valkiers, S*, Wolber, L* Int. J. Thermophysics, 2008, 29, (1), 57-66

Intercomparison of the realization of the ITS-90 at the freezing points of Al and Ag between European NMIs. Heyer, D*, Noatsch, U*, Tegeler, E*, Anagnostou, M*, Turzo-Andres, E*, Antonsen, I*, Augevicius, V*, Bojkovski, J*, Bronnum, A*, Chimenti, V*, Duris, S*, Filipe, E*, Gaita,S*, Gray, J, Head, D I, Grudniewicz, E*, Ivarsson, J*, Kalemci, M*, Kerkhof, O*, Lobo, I*, Nemeth, S*, Pokhodun, A*, Ranostaj, J*, Renaot, E*, Rosenkranz, P*, Smid, M*, Steur, P*, Steiner, A*, Valin, M*, Veliki, T*, Weckström, T* Int. J. Thermophysics, 2007, 28, (6), 1964-1975

Humidity measurement and applications - an introduction. Bell, S A Meas. Control, 2007, 40, (9), 267

Quantitative determination of the uncertainty arising from the inhomogeneity of thermocouples. Pearce, J Meas. Sci. Technol., 2007, 18, (11), 3489-3495

A simple device for substantially improving metal-carbon eutectic fi xed point performance by reducing temperature gradients. Pearce, J V Metrologia, 2007, 44, L1-L3

Argon pressure is maintained in an Aluminium thermometric fi xed-point cell. Petchpong, P*, Head, D I Metrologia, 2007, 44, (6), L73-L75

Infl uence of thermal coupling on spin avalanches in Mn12-acetate. Webster, C H, Kazakova, O, Gallop, J C, Josephs-Franks, P W, Hernandez-Minguez, A*, Tzalenchuk, A Ya Phys. Rev. B Condens. Matter, 2007, 76, 012403

© Crown Copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland. 7734/0

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Documents

Materials & Thermal Annual Review 2007-2008resource.npl.co.uk/docs/science...annual_review_08.pdf · This review focuses on how the National Physical Laboratory is addressing the