iGC-SEA: Inverse Gas Chromatography Surface Energy Analyzer

The iGC-SEA, or Inverse Gas Chromatography Surface Energy Analyzer, is the world’s most advanced tool for the characterization of materials using Surface Energy Analysis. Surface Measurement Systems’ iGC-SEA seems to be the only purpose-built instrument in the research space that uses the iGC method.

The iGC-SEA allows researchers to conduct precise materials characterization experiments and ascertain how solid materials will function in various industrial and logistical environments by merging pinpoint measurement accuracy and unwavering stability with unique software and hardware features.

Image Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd

What is Surface Energy γ?

Understanding the control behaviors and performance of particulate solids like powders, fibers, and films is critical throughout the industrial landscape. Surface Energy γ is surfacing as one of the most important material properties in this field.

Surface energy γ measures the intermolecular forces on a solid surface that cause powder particles to attract other solids, liquids, and vapor molecules. These can happen due to long-range Van der Waals forces (dispersion forces) or short-range chemical forces (polar forces).

Wetting, powder flowability, dispersibility, process-induced disorder, agglomeration, static charge, adhesion/cohesion, adsorption capacity, and surface chemistry correlate to surface energy values (dispersive and polar).

Image Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd

What is the iGC-SEA?

For characterizing solid materials' surface and bulk properties, the iGC-SEA, or Inverse Gas Chromatography-Surface Energy Analyzer, utilizes the gas-solid iGC technique. The patented injection manifold system is the innovation at the core of the iGC-SEA.

This produces precise solvent pulse sizes over a broad concentration spectral range, producing isotherms at previously rare high and low sample surface coverages. This makes it possible to determine the distributions of surface energy heterogeneity precisely.

Image Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd

The iGC-SEA measures the effect of temperature and humidity on the physicochemical characteristics of solids, including moisture-induced Tg, BET specific surface area, surface energy, wettability, adhesion, and cohesion. The system can also perform experiments on the bulk properties of solids using solubility theory and probe bulk interactions.

iGC-SEA - Worlds Most Advanced and Purpose Built iGC InstrumentPlay

Video Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd

Capabilities of the iGC-SEA

Carry out Surface Energy Analysis under industrial conditions

Sample column oven: 10 ^oC to 500 ^oC

Unparallel accuracy and repeatability

Wholly automated operation

Up to 12 different probe gas molecules

Comprehensive data analysis software

Wide temperature range

Patented headspace injection system with humidity generator

In-Situ sample pre-conditioning

Column packing accessory

Image Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd

Applications Made Possible by the iGC-SEA

Heats and entropies of adsorption

Dispersive and polar surface energies

Acid/base interactions

Sorption isotherms

Phase transitions

Permeability, solubility, and diffusion

Competitive (Multicomponent) adsorption

Micropore and mesopore distributions

Surface energy heterogeneity mapping

Image Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd

High-Temperature iGC-SEA

The recently developed High Temp iGC-SEA broadens the functionality of this versatile instrument event even further, allowing the sample oven to analyze temperatures as high as 500 ºC. These unparalleled high-temperature experiments enableextensive testing of materials under extreme conditions, best suited for applications like evaluating Dispersive Surface Energy and Diffusion Coefficient.

Image Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd

Film Cell Accessory

The uniquely engineered Film Cell Unit offers an alternative method for utilizing the iGC-powerful SEA’s capabilities to test the surface properties of thin films and other solid materials. Thanks to its unique sealed design, the Film Cell Unit effortlessly applies the probe and solvent capacities of the iGC-SEA along the surface of the sample film. It provides the same detailed insight into its properties.

Image Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd

Image Credit: Surface Measurement Systems Ltd