Overview

The Surface Analysis Laboratory at the University of Surrey contains the most complete cluster of surface analysis instrumentation for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). scanning Auger microscopy (SAM) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) certainly in Europe, and perhaps in the world. The installed capital value of this instrumentation is of the order of £3M and new state-of-the-art instruments for scanning probe microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have recently been installed.

The Surface and Interface Reactions Group, comprising of 20 academics and researchers, is concerned with understanding the manner in which materials surfaces interact with each other and their environments. Such interactions may enhance their performance, as in the pre-treatment of polymers, protective coatings and polymer to metal adhesion or be deleterious as in the case of metallic corrosion and environmental degradation of plastic materials.

Sponsorship for the research work is obtained from both government and industrial sources and the current portfolio of research projects is split between fundamental scientific investigations and the study of problems directly relevant to industry and the community. The research group has experience of studying the surfaces and interfaces of a vast range of materials used in diverse industrial sectors such as power generation, aerospace, electronics, tooling, pharmaceuticals etc. The surface analytical instrumentation and expertise of the research group are offered to industry and academia for involvement in research projects or problem solving on a daily pro-rata basis.

For further information on instrumentation, availability and charges please contact:

Professor John F Watts
Phone: 01483 689617
e-mail: J.Watts@surrey.ac.uk

Dr Mark Baker
Phone: 01483 686294
e-mail: M.Baker@surrey.ac.uk