About this facility

Infrastructure dedicated to activities targeting the development and characterization of materials for energy applications. This infrastructure encompasses the following set of laboratories:

• Material Characterization Laboratory: advanced characterization of materials by microscopy and spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, optical tensiometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, thermogravimetry/calorimetry, etc.;
• Artificial Ageing Laboratory: for accelerated ageing studies of different materials and coatings (e.g.: durability of solar reflectors);
• Outdoor Exposure Testing Sites: for durability studies of materials and coatings under natural ageing conditions (atmospheres with different corrosivities);
• Thermo-mechanical Analysis Laboratory: for studies on thermal behaviour of materials by means of TGA/DSC and non-destructive testing of materials by impulse excitation technique suitable for elastic moduli measurements;
• Molten Salts Corrosion Laboratory: for studies addressing compatibility and corrosion behaviour of materials in contact with molten salts mixtures (under static conditions, dynamic conditions and controlled atmosphere) and chemical stability of molten salts.

Available services