The Laboratory of Multiscale Materials Characterization and Composite Structures was established at 500-500A-500B Rhodes Hall, in the College of Engineering. It is a facility that provides unique capabilities for the processing of polymeric materials and its micro/nanocomposites; the thermomechanical characterization of materials at scales ranging from structural to micro-scale size including the establishment of structure/property relationships, under quasi-static, fatigue, impact, creep and hygrothermal loads; and assessment of damage and failure mechanisms. Among the equipment that has already been installed is a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) for measuring thermomechanical properties of materials as a function of temperature, time and frequency and also capable of recording changes in morphology and material defects in polymers, rubbers, composites, ceramics and metals. The other major equipments that have been installed are a press machine that allows the processing of all polymers and polymeric composites, which was retrofitted to operate up to a temperature of 800°C and a loading stage with data acquisition system that can operate either as a stand-alone device or be mounted in a Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) at the Materials Characterization Center. This loading stage, equipped with two load cells, is being used for the thermomechanical characterization of polymeric and composite samples.

The characterization capabilities are continuously being improved with the building of unique testing fixtures that allow a more comprehensive characterization of polymers and composite materials under quasi-static loading. Devices that work in conjunction with the cited equipment include a precision injection pump for resin transfer molding, vacuum pumps, an oven, an ultrasonic bath, a magnetic hot-plate and casting molds. Other facilities were also built and they include five working stations, laboratory furniture compatible with that of ERC building as well as five student working areas. These facilities are being used for research purposes by Abot's group and are also available to colleagues and their collaborators as well as for demonstrations for regular courses and to industry.