We can cut, polish and encapsulate individual Charpy-style samples up to the TeraBecquerel level for analysis either on-site or back at your institute.
There is also a workshop and an experimental area for tritium, beryllium and other hazardous materials.
Experienced staff from UKAEA operate the MRF and provide users with support in sample preparation and analysis, as well as logistics advice for the transport of materials. View the Operations page to see the process of sample preparation.
MRF equipment for tritium retention measurements.
MRF capabilities
Sample preparation (available now)
- Hot-cell sample processing for active materials
- Sample processing for non-active materials
- Precision Ion-beam Polishing System
- Sputter Coater
- Lab-scale Electro Discharge Machining for non-active materials
- TEM discs preparation techniques
- Glovebox sample preparation for low-active materials
Sample preparation (under development)
- Bulk Electrolytical polishing
- Twin Jet Electrolytical polishing for TEM discs
- Hot-cell Lab-scale Electro Discharge Machining for active materials
- Vacuum Furnace
- Scanning Electron Microscope (with EDS, EBSD, TKD, WDS)
- FEI Helios NanoLab 600i Focussed Ion Beam
- TESCAN AMBER X Plasma Focussed Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope
- WITec Alpha 300 ARS Confocal Raman Spectroscopy
- Atom Force Microscope
- X-ray Diffractometer
- Positive Materials Identification X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
- Gamma Spectroscopy for radiological finger printing
- Jeol Neoarm Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope
- Nanoindentation
- Instrumented indentation
- Small scale mechanical load frame (5 kN)
- Load frame for static tests (10 kN)
- Load frame for dynamic tests (15 kN)
- Ultrasonic Fatigue Rig
- Impulse Excitation Technique
- Small Punch testing setup
- Environmental chambers for high temperature testing
- Digital Image Correlation setup
- Electric potential drop system
Thermo-physical characterisation
- Laserflash Analyser
- Dilatometry
- Simultaneous Thermogravimetrical Analyser
- Gas pycnometry
- Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy
- Ion exposure and impregnation system
- Physical Properties Measurement System
- Netzch Differential Scanning Calorimeter