Labs And Facilities

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering has a range of laboratories for both teaching and research. All laboratories are equipped with modern state-of-the-art facilities for processing of many types of materials (including conventional classes of materials as well as nanomaterials), their analyses, testing and investigation. 

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Lab

For the study of surfaces at high magnifications (up to 400,000x). Surface morphology for fracture analysis, coating defects, porosity, chemical analysis and micro-structural studies, grain boundary and deformation texture analysis using EBSP channeling patterns. 

X-Ray Diffraction Lab

For the identification of crystal structures and phases. Texture analysis for preferred orientation developed in plastic deformation and annealing. Residual stress analysis. In-situ study of phase transition in materials

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Nanoindentation Lab

FMCE has recently established an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) laboratory for materials characterization especially at nano scale level. AFM is an advanced characterisation technique capable of performing many kinds of materials analysis i.e. high resolution imaging, magnetic characterization, nano lithography, nano indentation etc. The AFM lab is useful both for the teaching and research work. A polarized light microscope is also available for capturing colored microscopic images.

Nanomaterial Synthesis and Corrosion Monitoring Lab

Electrochemical test cells with various accessories, computerized electrochemical measuring system, Potentiostats, Sweep generators, Zero resistance ammeters, Rotating disk electrode machine which allows study of corrosion behaviour under flowing conditions, facilities to perform corrosion studies in environments like H₂S, CO₂, CH₄ and various acidic and alkaline media. Nanomaterial synthesis equipment is also available including dip coating, spin coating, thermal reactor etc.

Sputtering Lab

Sputter coating setup for the deposition of thin films used in device applications.

Carbon Synthesis Lab

Vacuum furnaces, Vacuum Arc-discharge facilities are used for teaching and research purposes. It is used for alloy development. 

Computational Lab

Modern, high-speed and state-of-the-art computers are available for 3D CAD Modelling, Simulations, Python and other software.

Mechanical Testing Lab

Hardness testing (Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers and Universal portable tester for plastics) 5kN and 30kN universal testing machines (for tensile, compression and bend tests) 100kN universal testing machine (including creep and fatigue testing in the range -180 to 450 ° C) Izod and Charpy impact testing.

Wire Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) and Welding & Joining Lab

Wire EDM setup for sample cutting and laser welding as well as diffusion bonding setups are available. 

Thermal Analysis  and 3D Printing Lab

Inter-departmental facilities are available for the spectroscopy, thermal analysis and mechanical testing of polymers and polymer composites. Differential Scanning Calorimetry  (DSC) coupled with Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) has been recently acquired along with a Thermomechanical Analyzer (TMA). Multiple lab-scale 3D printers are also available for printing samples as well as models.

Metallography and Optical Microscopy Labs

Sample preparation facilities: cutting, grinding, polishing, chemical and electrochemical etching. Optical microscopes for micro-structural examination of metals, alloys, ceramic, polymer and composite materials; Nomarski interference contrast; photomicrographic printing, video display of microstructures; micro-hardness testing. Facilities for computer-based image analysis are available.

Melting & Casting Lab

Induction heating furnaces (melting and casting of ingots in air or under vacuum) Sand testing equipment (tensile, compression, shear, permeability standard/nonstandard) Sieve analysis (determination of sand particle size distribution) Mould preparation; Mueller sand preparation facility. Casting (sand casting, shell casting, full mould casting, investment casting, sodium silicate/CO₂ process casting, centrifugal casting. Facilities for squeeze casting and spin casting have been developed).

Heat Treatment Lab

Box and tube type electrical furnaces (up to 1600 ° C for phase transformation and recrystallization studies) Vacuum and temperature controlled furnaces Jominy end quench test apparatus (for hardenability experiments) Quenching and stress relieving facilities. Rolling Mill (lab. scale), Hydraulic press, compaction dies, metallic powders and characterization facilities.

Ceramics Lab

High energy planetary ball mill, Rolling/mixing setup, Centrifugal particle size analyzer, High-temperature controlled-atmosphere furnace.

Mechanical Workshop

Sample preparation for mechanical testing laboratory, cutting, shaping, milling and drilling of samples, and general maintenance Lathe machining Electric arc and gas welding , brazing, soldering and other joining facilities. Processing facilities (injection moulding machine) have been acquired to study and correlate the composition and process parameters with the mechanical properties of polymers and particulate composites.

Non-Destructive Testing Lab

Dye penetrant (for detection of surface cracks, laps and folds on castings and forgings) Magnetic flux flaw detector, (for surface and sub-surface defects of castings, forgings and rolled products). Ultrasonic flaw detector, portable radiography equipment for inspection and quality control of casting, weldments, seamless pipes and wires X-ray Radiographic facility.