SIB Labs combines and markets the University of Eastern Finland's top expertise and equipment infrastructure, offering a diverse and modern research environment, especially for the needs of materials research and imaging. SIB Labs acts as a flexible research partner for various actors. Services can be implemented, for example, as service research, collaborative projects, training or expert consultations.

SIB Labs' corporate services include, among other things, slow pyrolysis of circular economy side streams and examination of the physical and chemical properties of the resulting end products, chemical analysis of gases, liquids and solids, microscopy and imaging, and microplastic analytics.

Microscopy

Microscopy can be used to analyze the structure, surface phenomena and composition of materials at the micro and nano level. Microscopy services cover a wide range of imaging methods from light microscopy to electron microscopy. The laboratory offers high-resolution imaging for the study of both materials and biological samples.

Services include:

• light microscopy and fluorescence imaging
• scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM)
• microspectroscopy and chemical mapping
• sophisticated sample preparation, especially for biological samples

 

Chemical analysis

Chemical analysis services focus on accurately determining the composition and structure of substances from various sample matrices (gases, liquids and solids). The service also includes sample preparation, measurement and analysis of results according to the customer's needs.

Key methods include:

• FTIR and Raman spectroscopy
• UV-Vis spectroscopy
• gas and liquid chromatography (e.g. GC-MS)
• bioanalytical methods

 

Biomaterials laboratory

The Biomaterials Laboratory at the Kuopio campus focuses on biomaterials research, especially the development of biorefining and pyrolysis processes. The laboratory combines materials research, microscopy and thermal processes into a whole that enables in-depth analysis and utilization of biological and bio-based materials. In addition, the laboratory's services include chemical analysis of pyrolysis products (including NMR) and mechanical and physical characterization of materials.

Both batch and continuous pyrolysis can be carried out in the laboratory, which allows:

• controlled development of processes
• efficient recovery of different fractions
• more detailed research into bio-based compounds

 

X-ray tomography

The X-ray tomography laboratory offers three-dimensional imaging for studying the internal structure of materials without destroying the sample. The method is particularly suitable for analyzing porous structures, defects and structural properties. X-ray tomography enables precise analyses of, for example, composites, biomaterials and industrial products.

Services include:

• micro- and macro-level X-ray tomography (µCT)
• 3D reconstructions and image data analysis
• material defects and structural deviations

Are you interested in SIB Labs' services? Contact us!

LAURA TOMPPO, PhD
Staff Scientist, SIB Labs

University of Eastern Finland | UEF | Department of Applied Physics
Kuopio campus | Snellmania
Yliopistonranta 8 | PL 1627 | 70211 Kuopio
+358 40 355 2541 | laura.tomppo@uef.fi