Description: We offer an advanced study to characterise the textural properties and porosity of materials by combining N₂ physisorption and Hg intrusion porosimetry, providing detailed information on the structure of samples at the nanometre and micrometre scales. Each technique is also available separately. The service is applicable to any solid material, including powders, pellets, granules or blocks. It provides key information such as surface area, particle size, pore volume, total porosity, and pore size distribution from 1 nm to 500 µm, amongst others. This type of study is particularly relevant for porous materials in the nanometre range. It allows a direct correlation to be established between the properties and structure of the material, as well as enabling the study of changes in the porous structure after the materials have been subjected to different treatments.

Mnager: Maria Jesús Mosquera Díaz; mariajesus.mosquera@uca.es

Description: We offer the characterisation of optical, electronic, vibrational and structural properties using advanced spectroscopic techniques. To this end, we will utilise the equipment described in the Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques Laboratory infrastructure. The team leaders will carry out the measurements and analyse the results obtained, producing reports that include a comprehensive discussion of the findings. The materials under study may vary, although the research team has extensive experience in semiconductor materials, and specifically in materials with luminescent properties suitable for various applications, such as sensors. The development of collaborations in this field, thanks to the infrastructure described, is of great interest.

Manager: Francisco Javier Navas Pineda; javier.navas@uca.es

Description: We offer integrated studies aimed at determining: structure from the nanoscale to the macroscale, composition and behaviour, in minerals, ceramics, semiconductors, catalysts and other nanomaterials, particularly poly- and microcrystalline materials. The combination of techniques from IMEYMAT and UCA Central Services will enable: • Determination of elemental chemical composition, • Characterisation of crystalline structure, • Analysis of mineral or synthetic phases present in complex mixtures, • Observation and study of microstructures and nanostructures at high resolution. • Conduct spectroscopic studies to identify bonds, vibrational modes, and structural modifications following treatments. • Monitor processes in real time and under operating conditions (in situ), • Investigate optical and electronic properties linked to the local structure, particularly in photonic materials, semiconductors and composites with specific luminescent or absorption properties. Manager: Juan José Delgado Jaén; juanjose.delgado@uca.es

Description: This service offers advanced mechanical testing (tensile, compression, flexural, nanoindentation and dynamic mechanical analysis) on solid materials, polymers and coatings. It enables the determination of properties such as elastic modulus, ultimate strength, hardness, viscoelastic behaviour and glass transition temperature. It is of interest to companies in the materials, automotive, construction and biomaterials sectors, as well as research centres requiring advanced characterisation for product development or quality control. Manager: Manuel Piñero de los Ríos; manolo.piniero@uca.es

Description: Characterisation of the internal structure of metals and their wear processes through contact with other materials, based on friction coefficients. It also includes the characterisation of materials under tension, compression and bending, and the characterisation of metal surface layers using XRD. These measurements are of interest for determining the metallographic structure and main mechanical properties of metallic materials. The materials will be provided by the applicant. The estimated time for scheduling and executing the work will be determined by the person responsible for the service. The preparation of technical reports will incur an additional cost, which in a standard case will be €300. The person requesting the service will describe the necessary measurements or studies to the person responsible, in order to assess its feasibility and determine the detailed budget and the terms under which it can be provided. Other proposals for collaboration will be subject to evaluation.

Manager: Jorge Salguero Gómez; jorge.salguero@uca.es

Description: Characterisation testing, mechanical properties on surfaces and accelerated ageing of construction materials, and evaluation of the effectiveness and durability of conservation, repair and waterproofing treatments. Mechanical properties. Surface hardness using static (Vickers) or dynamic (Leeb, Schmidt) methods. Compaction and cohesion by ultrasonic pulse measurement and drilling resistance. Standardised abrasion resistance tests. Water transport properties. Water absorption tests by capillarity and immersion. Water vapour permeability tests. Determination of drying properties (EN 16322). Capillary absorption by Karsten pipette and contact sponge methods (possibility of in situ study). Accelerated ageing and durability. Resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, resistance to salt crystallisation, resistance to thermal shock, chloride penetration, resistance to alkalis (concrete).

Manager: María Jesús Mosquera Díaz; mariajesus.mosquera@uca.es

Description: Offered: A) Manufacture of polymer-based composite materials in pellet form for subsequent use. B) Manufacture of objects and prototypes using additive manufacturing, starting with filaments, photopolymer resins, laminated cellulose and polymer powder. C) 3D models to be provided by the applicant, to be produced by 3D scanning or made to order in the laboratory. D) Pre-manufacturing operations: drying, grinding and sieving of materials. E) Additive manufacturing using molten pellets for test tubes and prototypes. F) Recycling of polymeric and composite materials. Shredding of plastic materials and agricultural waste. Manufacture of pellets from biomass. Sieving on a pre-industrial scale. Machining of test tubes for testing. G) Characterisation of materials: density, thermal and electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties. H) Bioprinting of 3D models. Bioprinting with biological and polymeric materials. I) Biodegradation testing of materials.

Responsible: Sergio Ignacio Molina Rubio; sergio.molina@uca.es

Description: In Energy, SEM and EDX optimise battery/solar panel materials (microstructure/composition), with an in-situ thermal sample holder simulating conditions. For Steels, SEM and EDX study microstructures, corrosion and mechanical properties. In Micro/nanoelectronics, SEM characterises components, analyses defects and optimises processes. EDX verifies composition, and cathodoluminescence (CL) reveals crystallographic defects. For Heritage, SEM and EDX allow historical materials to be studied, preserved and authenticated without damaging them. In Biomaterials, SEM analyses the biocompatibility of implants/tissues. The in-situ thermal sample holder simulates physiological conditions, and EDX maps their integration. In agri-food, SEM characterises food, packaging and contaminants. EDX identifies foreign particles. Finally, in mining, SEM and the backscatter detector analyse minerals/rocks, differentiating phases by density, complemented by EDX.

Responsible: Lionel Cervera Gontard; lionel.cervera@uca.es

Descripción: La Catodoluminiscencia (CL) es potente en caracterización fotónica, mediante análisis espectroscópico entre 350-650 nm, con alta resolución espacial y profundidad de campo, dada la flexibilidad de una sonda de electrones. De aplicación en: SEMICONDUCTORES y materiales optoelectrónicos, películas delgadas de nitruro, nanoestructuras y heteroestructuras para óxidos nanoestructurados (ZnO, ZrO2 y Y3Al5O12), y tierras raras dopadas. CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA: el uso de marcadores luminiscentes combina el beneficio de la microscopía de fluorescencia con las capacidades de resolución espacial de un microscopio electrónico. GEOLOGÍA: Establece procedencia y diagénesis, diferencia minerales, e identifica fracturas curadas y sobrecrecimientos químicos, así como estructuras de zonas finas. Quien demande el servicio describirá las medidas necesarias para valorar su viabilidad y determinar el presupuesto y los términos en que pueda realizarse. Otras formas de colaboración serán objeto de valoración.

Manager: Lionel Cervera Gontard; lionel.cervera@uca.es

Description: The following measurements are offered: • Ellipsometric angles in the ranges 200–2500 nm and/or 2000–40000 nm • Topographic profiles up to 5 cm x 5 cm with lateral resolution up to 100 microns and depth up to 0.1 nm. • Reflectometry and specular finish • Reflection and transmission spectra with polarised light. • Optical constants and thin film thickness through optical modelling. The duration of the measurement depends on the range and resolution: The person requesting the service will describe the necessary studies in order to assess their feasibility and determine the budget and terms under which they can be carried out. In addition to the cost of the equipment, there will be a charge of €150/hour for the researcher and €170 for the issuance of reports. If an optical model needs to be developed, there will be an additional charge of €300. The models allow the determination of: • Optical constants of materials in the form of n and k or as dielectric constants, both real and imaginary. • Thin film thicknesses between 50 nm and several microns.

Responsible: Eduardo Blanco Ollero; eduardo.blanco@uca.es

Description: We offer a comprehensive characterisation of the thermophysical and rheological properties of colloidal suspensions. To this end, we will use the equipment described in the Thermophysical and Rheological Properties Laboratory infrastructure. The team leaders will carry out the measurements and analyse the results obtained, producing reports that include a full discussion of the findings. The type of sample under study may vary, although the research team has extensive experience in the study of nanofluids and phase-change materials, and in their applications in both solar thermal energy and thermal energy storage processes, where the analysis of thermophysical and rheological properties is vital. The development of collaborations in this field, thanks to the infrastructure described, is of great interest.

Manager: Francisco Javier Navas Pineda; javier.navas@uca.es

Description: Three-dimensional scanning of all types of objects and parts with precision for metrology applications, enabling 3D printing formats to be obtained, as well as dimensional inspection of parts. The devices are portable, so work can be carried out in locations other than the laboratory. Different output formats can be used for the scan results: .dae, .fbx, .ma, .obj, .ply, .stl, .txt, .wrl, .x3d, .x3dz, .zpr, .3mf. The hourly rate for the researcher is supplemented by other costs depending on the volume of the part. For parts measuring between 0.8 and 10 m3, the additional cost will be €140. Travel costs will be added for work carried out outside the Smart Manufacturing Lab. Those requesting the service will describe the work to be carried out to the person in charge in order to assess its feasibility and determine the detailed budget and terms under which it can be carried out. Other proposals for collaboration will be subject to assessment.

Responsible: David Sales Lérida; david.sales@uca.es

Description: The service includes all stages involved in the feasibility study, such as: • 3D design of prototypes or demonstrators. • Topological optimisation. • Simulation of the manufacturing process. • Manufacture of prototypes or demonstrators in the alloys available at any given time. Currently, manufacturing is possible in Scalmalloy aluminium alloy. Maximum manufacturing volume 250 mm x 250 mm x 325 mm. • Thermal post-processing. • Surface post-processing by shot blasting, chemical etching, wet electropolishing or dry electropolishing with Dlyte technology. The service requester will describe the necessary measures or studies to the person in charge, in order to jointly assess their feasibility and determine the budget and terms under which they can be carried out.

Responsible: Leandro González Rovira; leandro.gonzalez@uca.es

Description: The service responds to requests for studies, testing and consulting on metallic materials. A) Microstructure: chemical phases and their distribution, grain size, coating thicknesses, presence of defects using optical microscopy and SEM/EDS. B) Preparation of samples for SEM using ion polishing. C) Corrosion behaviour: immersion tests, electrochemical tests with direct and alternating current. D) Corrosion protection. E) Behaviour of materials under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. F) Study of the behaviour of metallic materials under deep drawing processes. The service requester shall describe to the person responsible the necessary measures or studies, in order to jointly assess their feasibility and determine the budget and terms under which they can be carried out. Other proposals for collaboration will be subject to evaluation.

Responsible: Leandro González Rovira; leandro.gonzalez@uca.es

Description: Evaluation of: SOL-GEL AND COLLOIDAL SYSTEMS. Viscosity and its evolution over time (gelation/stability). Particle sizes and nano/micro-emulsions using DLS. Z-potential and isoelectric point of particles. MATERIALS WITH SMART MOISTURISING PROPERTIES. Contact angles. Calculation of surface energies. Measurement of surface tension of liquids. PHOTOCATALYTIC AND DECONTAMINATING MATERIALS. Determination of band gap. Photo-degradation tests of dyes and self-cleaning of stains in a solar chamber. Photo-elimination of pollutants (NOx and VOCs). ANTIMICROBIAL MATERIALS. Quantification of ATP by chemiluminescence. Estimation of cell-surface interfacial stresses. OTHER SURFACE PROPERTIES. Chemical characterisation: Raman, FTIR-ATR and UV-Vis with integrating sphere. Aesthetic parameters of colour and brightness. Roughness and topography using AFM. Surface Z-potential measurements with solid cell.

Responsible: María Jesús Mosquera Díaz; mariajesus.mosquera@uca.es

Description: The service offered enables the manufacture of parts and/or tools, as well as the study and characterisation of machining, micro-machining, laser texturing and metal additive manufacturing processes using WAAM technologies. It is of particular interest for parametric optimisation studies and machining strategies (milling and drilling) and laser texturing, and for the characterisation of cutting tool wear. Materials will be provided by the applicant. The estimated time for scheduling and executing the work will be determined by the service manager. The preparation of technical reports will incur an additional cost, which in a standard case will be €300. The person requesting the service will describe the necessary measures or studies to the manager in order to assess its feasibility and determine the detailed budget and the terms under which it can be provided. Other proposals for collaboration will be subject to evaluation.

Responsible: Jorge Salguero Gómez; jorge.salguero@uca.es

Description: MPCVD Diamond The service offered involves the deposition of doped diamond layers with controlled thicknesses for power devices, quantum computing systems (NV centres), or photonic applications. The client requesting the service will describe the required layer characteristics to the person in charge, so that they can jointly assess the feasibility of the project and determine the budget and terms under which it can be carried out. Other proposals for collaboration will be considered.

Manager: Daniel Araujo Gay; daniel.araujo@uca.es

Description: Manufacture of three-dimensional parts weighing up to 300 kg using the PA-WAAM technique on flat substrates, based on CAD or STL files. Material deposition on existing parts for repair purposes can also be arranged. Available materials: currently, production is primarily carried out using stainless steel of any commercial grade. Manufacturing in any other weldable material can be considered, provided that commercial wires (MIG-MAG type) are available.

Manager: David Sales Lérida; david.sales@uca.es

Description: CNC machining of simple geometric parts in metal or polymeric material. The machine’s work table supports parts weighing up to 400 kg, allowing for the machining of large components. The equipment has a power rating of 17 kW, ensuring optimum performance and the ability to carry out intensive and precise machining operations, as well as the use of high-speed cutting tools, optimising production times and ensuring a high-quality surface finish. The numerical control system allows complex operations to be programmed with high precision. The cost per hour of researcher time is €100 and the manufacturing cost will be determined based on the specific work. Those requesting the service will describe the work to be carried out to the person in charge in order to assess its feasibility and determine the detailed budget and terms under which it can be carried out. Other proposals for collaboration will be subject to evaluation.

Responsible: David Sales Lérida; david.sales@uca.es

Description: Systems for measuring optical properties at variable temperatures enable the quantification of molecular concentrations, the observation of structural and conformational changes in proteins or polymers, the monitoring of reaction kinetics, the analysis of liquids, and the measurement of various optical properties (transmission, absorption and reflection of solid materials). The colorimeter is a spectrometer that accurately measures spectral reflectance and other relevant colour parameters, with applications in the manufacture of plastics, electronic equipment, lacquers and paints, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry, food research and production. Those interested in the Service should describe the required measurements or studies to the person in charge, so that they can jointly assess their feasibility and determine the budget and conditions under which they can be carried out. The laboratory is also open to collaborating on R&D&I projects.

Manager: Francisco Miguel Morales Sánchez; fmiguel.morales@uca.es

Description: MECHANICAL PROFILOMETER: Measurement of layer thicknesses, roughness and textures. Spatial frequency analysis. OPTICAL PROFILOMETER: Measurement of layer thicknesses (including multilayers), volume and area of incrustations, pores or surface characteristics. Measurement of roughness and texture. Spatial frequency analysis. Real-colour 3D images of surfaces and CAD files. The service is aimed at obtaining surface metrology results related to shaping and/or machining, surface treatments (chemical etching, abrasion, polishing), application of layers or coatings (paints, layer deposition), quality control of machining tools, as well as obtaining experimental CAD data from devices, with accuracies of up to 1 nm and with samples up to 30 cm in size. Those requesting the service will describe the necessary measurements or studies in order to assess its feasibility and determine the budget and terms under which it can be carried out. Responsible: Juan María González Leal; juanmaria.gonzalez@uca.es

Description: The service may include: • Preparation of electron-transparent samples for electron microscopy. • Nano-machining using FIB. • Preparation of nano-needles for analysis using electron tomography and atomic probe, and for applications requiring this sample geometry. • Manipulation of samples at the micro and nanometric scale, including cutting material by ion etching, platinum carbon deposition, transfer of material portions to grids, etc. • Analysis of materials using SEM, with secondary electrons, ion beam and cathodoluminescence (77K). • 3D analysis of precipitates or other inclusions in materials and devices using tomographic reconstruction. • Other specific operations with focused ion beams, at the request of the service applicant. The applicant for the service shall describe the studies to be carried out to the person responsible, in order to assess their feasibility and determine the budget and terms under which they can be carried out. Responsible: Pilar Villar Castro; pilar.villar@uca.es

Description: We offer: • Surface treatment of materials using high-power laser texturing to generate nano/microstructured surfaces with controlled textural patterns. • High-precision laser micromachining using ultrashort laser pulses (femtoseconds and nanoseconds). • Printing of designs and/or patterns on metals, ceramics, plastics, glass, etc. • Cleaning of works of art using laser processing with ultrashort laser pulses, which effectively remove layers of dirt or layers of no artistic interest. • Direct synthesis of colloidal dispersions (nanofluids) using laser ablation of liquids. • Other services to be agreed upon, applying the capabilities of the infrastructure. Potential applications in: materials, medicine, the environment, catalysis and/or energy. The service applicant will describe the required measures to the person in charge, in order to assess their feasibility and determine the budget and conditions under which they can be carried out. Responsible: Oscar Bomati Miguel; oscar.bomati@uca.es

Description: A wide range of surface characterisation options is available: topography, roughness measurements, and mapping of mechanical parameters (elastic modulus and deformation), electrical parameters (conductivity and surface potential), magnetic parameters (domain size), and thermal parameters (thermal conductivity), all at nanometre resolution. The maximum measurable roughness is limited by the vertical displacement of the scanner (up to 14 micrometres), with scanning areas of up to 100 × 100 micrometres. We carry out studies on nanoscale defects or discontinuities, wear and delamination of coatings, distribution of components in composites, effects of thermal degradation, and other surface modifications. AFM probes and technical reports will be charged separately. The party requesting the service will describe their requirements so that we can assess feasibility and determine a detailed quote and the terms under which the work can be carried out. Other proposals for collaboration will be considered. Manager: Manuel Domínguez de la Vega; manolo.dominguez@uca.es

Description: The service offers a comprehensive approach to the development and study of catalysts, from their synthesis through to their evaluation under laboratory operating conditions. This includes the preparation of catalysts via hydrothermal synthesis, wet impregnation and rotary evaporators, with the option to work on a small scale (high-throughput screening) or produce larger quantities (up to 5 L). Catalytic evaluation is carried out in reactors designed by the research group itself, providing great versatility and the ability to adapt to new scientific and industrial challenges. This includes reactors for photocatalysis, high-pressure (batch and continuous) and gas-phase processes, applicable to processes such as gas oxidation, selective hydrogenation, dry or aqueous reforming, and CO₂ utilisation. All systems are integrated with gas chromatography (TCD, FID, PDD) and/or mass spectrometry for the continuous monitoring of catalytic performance. Manager: Miguel Ángel Cauqui López; miguelangel.cauqui@uca.es

Description: We offer the rapid and environmentally friendly synthesis of nanoparticle colloids using high-energy ultrasound. Subsequently, the surface plasmon resonance of these colloids will be characterised (where applicable) using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and an indicative particle size distribution will be provided (using DLS). We also offer the synthesis of other types of materials, such as sol-gel or polymeric materials, using ultrasound or microwaves, as well as their complete electrochemical characterisation (where applicable). Regarding the fee, the client requesting the service will describe the necessary measurements or studies to the person in charge, so that we can jointly assess their feasibility and determine the budget and terms under which they can be carried out. The group is open to considering other proposals for collaboration. Manager: José María Palacios Santander; josem.palacios@uca.es

Description: The Advanced Laser Welding Centre (CASOL) is available for use in the development of industrial studies and projects, which necessarily require the presence of UCA technical staff with expertise in laser and hybrid laser welding technology. Depending on the client’s requirements, various objectives may be defined, such as the optimisation of variables under specific welding conditions or the analysis of specific welding variables. Due to the technical complexity involved in using the equipment, including equipment start-up times, part positioning, robot path programming, etc., the service is offered in full 8-hour sessions. The fee includes use of the equipment and technical assistance from the lead researcher throughout the session. Other collaboration proposals will be considered. Manager: José María Sánchez Amaya; josemaria.sanchez@uca.es