Colloid Lab: Characterization with Light and Rheology
The colloid lab is run by the colloid physics group within the Institute for Soft Matter and Functional Materials. It encompasses laboratory methods that complement the work with the instruments on HZB’s large scale facilities, which comprise thermally controlled static and dynamic light scattering (SLS/DLS). Both are situated in our large class IIIb laser laboratory (LS117) together with a commercial Malvern Zeta-Sizer. Additionally we run three rheometers in a dedicated lab (LS217), one of which is foreseen to be adapted to the small-angle neutron scattering instrument V16. The group research on mesoscopic materials as colloidal suspensions, micelles and supramolecular structures is in this way fully cross-linked with the development of instruments as well as the accessibility to and service of supporting laboratory equipment.
As a general rule, our equipment shall be available for guest groups, especially those scientists that have been granted beam time on the neutron or synchrotron instruments to allow for a complete and proper characterization of their samples. This opportunity is another manifestation of HZB’s mission to offer “neutrons and more” to the users, which includes the support by the scientific and technical staff. Similarly to the regulations for the large scale research instruments, the access to the laser lab is subject to safety instructions prior to access. With these facilities we are near to a complete park of tools for the characterization of colloidal suspensions, micelles, and supramolecular structures generated in aqueous suspension.
