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Welcome to the Materials Characterization Lab

Our capabilities can increase the different degrees of understanding why different materials show different properties and behaviours.

MCL is a unique combination of a diverse range of techniques along with nearly 20 highly trained technical and support staff.

FESEM of the growth of gallium nitride at low-temperatures on CVD graphene that has been transferred onto float glass.

Formation of crystalline calcium silicate hydrate through high pH dissolution of soda-lime glass beads.

We are passionate about education and collaborative problem solving.

Newest Capabilities at MCL

Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry

Mercury porosimetry is used to measure the porosity of a material by applying controlled pressure to a sample immersed in mercury. 

Helium Pycnometer

Helium pycnometry measures true (absolute) and skeletal (apparent) volume and density.  

Raman System: "Lucy"

The LabRAM HR Evolution is the ultimate instrument for Raman spectroscopy and is ideally suited to both micro and macro measurements, offerring advanced confocal imaging capabilities in 2D and 3D.

More instruments

Events & Activities

The Millennium Cafe

MCL Tweets

MCL Seminars and Workshops

Optimization of S/TEM Specimen Prep via FIB: from Alpha to Omega

FIB specimen prep short course “Optimization of S/TEM Specimen Prep via FIB: from Alpha to Omega”

October 13 - Applications of Infrared Spectroscopy

Join us to learn about infrared spectroscopy techniques for chemical analysis in one-day seminar.
See details...

MCL Customer Quotes

It has been a great experience working with the professional and responsive team at MCL.  The opportunity for our scientists to work in the lab alongside MCL staff is a key benefit.  Saint-Gobain maintains its own facilities but the ability to access cutting edge instrumentation and materials expertise provides tremendous opportunity.  The flexibility in how one can engage the lab makes MCL a significant resource for companies of all sizes.

 Saint-Gobain Surface Conditioning Suberabrasives

The MCL is truly state of the art, not only with respect to the lab’s technology and experienced staff, but also with regard to the ability to accommodate industrial applications, budgets, and timelines.  The lab has provided resources that would otherwise be inaccessible, and has actively engaged in projects as a member of our team.

 A Medical Device Company

The most impressive aspect of working with MCL is the gateway opportunity it provides. We established a dialogue with experts in disciplines that are relevant to our needs and gave us a more in depth analysis. This review provided us additional considerations that we had not considered in some cases. The ability to talk thru issues and opportunities that MCL can support us with gives another degree dimensionality that proves invaluable.

 Bill Bezubic, Director of Engineering and Technical Services; MI Windows and Doors

MCL rapidly became essential team members on our project. With their expert involvement, we were able to quickly understand and control the complex material science issues critical to the program’s success. Working with MCL we were able to bring new technology to market faster and more reliably.

 Global Product Development Manager – International Materials Company.