The Micro-Nano R&D Centre (MNRDC) at Parul University is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to research, testing, and development at micro and nano scales. Established under the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020 with support from the Industries Commissionerate, the centre focuses on advanced material characterisation, nano-device analysis, and applied research in emerging technologies.
MNRDC serves as a high-precision analytical hub for researchers, startups, industries, and innovators working in materials science, nanotechnology, electronics, biomedical applications, energy systems, aerospace components, and advanced manufacturing.
Core Facilities at MNRDC
The centre houses four major advanced instruments that together provide comprehensive material analysis—from atomic structure to surface behaviour and wear performance.
1. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with EDS
The SEM with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) is one of the most frequently used systems at the centre.
What does it do?
- Examines surface morphology (shape, size, texture, particle distribution)
- Captures high-resolution micro-scale images
- Identifies elemental composition using EDS
- Verifies material purity
Sample Types:
- Solids, powders, thin films
- Dried liquids and semi-solids
- Metals, polymers, biological samples, ceramics, battery materials, pharmaceuticals
Output Provided:
- 8 SEM images per sample
- 2 EDS spectra
- Optional elemental mapping
- Standard report (typically within 10 working days; urgent cases faster)
The SEM is ideal for surface failure analysis, coating inspection, particle size evaluation, contamination studies, and quality verification.
2. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) – D6 PHASER
The D6 PHASER Benchtop XRD system allows detailed internal structural analysis of materials. While SEM shows the surface, XRD reveals the atomic “skeleton” inside a material.
What It Determines
- Crystal structure
- Phase identification
- Internal stress and strain
- Crystallite size
- Material purity
XRD works using Bragg’s Law (nλ = 2d sinθ), which translates X-ray reflections into atomic spacing information.
Key Capabilities:
- 10°–80° standard scanning range
- High-speed Position Sensitive Detector (PSD)
- PDF-4 reference database for material identification
- TOPAS software for Rietveld refinement
- Grazing Incidence XRD (GIXRD) for thin coatings
- X-Ray Reflectivity (XRR) for layer thickness (1–500 nm), density, and roughness
Applications:
- Pharmaceuticals (drug form verification)
- Electronics (thin-film analysis)
- Aerospace (stress detection)
- Construction materials
- Energy storage materials
A major advantage: XRD is non-destructive. Samples remain completely intact after testing.
The Core AFM system enables nanoscale surface measurement at near-atomic resolution.
What does it measure?
- Surface roughness
- Step height
- Grain size
- Nano-scale topography
- Mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties (mode-dependent)
Unlike optical microscopes, AFM physically “feels” the surface using a nanoscale tip based on Hooke’s Law and atomic force interactions.
Outputs Provided
- 2D topography images
- 3D surface maps
- Roughness reports (ISO parameters)
- Excel data sheets
- Grain size histograms
Modes Available
- Contact, Non-contact, Tapping mode
- Force spectroscopy
- Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM)
- Electrical Force Microscopy (EFM)
- Nano-lithography modes
AFM is widely used for thin films, semiconductor surfaces, polymers, biomedical samples, coatings, and battery electrodes.
4. Pin-on-Disc Wear Testing Machine (Tribometer)
This instrument evaluates friction and wear behaviour under controlled sliding conditions.
What does it measure?
- Coefficient of friction
- Wear rate
- Sliding distance
- Surface durability
All tests are conducted following ASTM G99 standards, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.
Types of Tests:
- Dry wear testing
- Lubricated wear testing
- High-temperature wear testing
Output Provided:
- Friction vs time graph
- Wear rate calculation
- Complete Excel dataset (raw + processed data)
- Comparative analysis (up to six samples simultaneously)
This system is crucial for automotive components, aerospace alloys, coatings, manufacturing tools, polymers, and biomedical implants.
MNRDC provides:
- Microstructural characterisation
- Elemental analysis
- Phase identification
- Thin-film analysis
- Surface roughness evaluation
- Wear and friction testing
- Non-destructive testing
- Customised analytical reports
- Research collaboration support
- Technical consultation
The centre also supports funded research projects in advanced materials, nanoelectronics, green hydrogen, metamaterials, and aerospace components.
How to Use the Facilities
Step 1: Define Your Requirement
Identify what information you need:
- Surface details → SEM
- Internal structure → XRD
- Nano-level roughness → AFM
- Wear performance → Pin-on-Disc
Step 2: Sample Preparation
- Ensure samples meet instrument requirements
- Dry liquids/semi-solids for SEM
- Flatten powders for XRD
- Prepare solid flat surfaces for AFM
- Machine cylindrical specimens for wear testing
Technical staff assist in preparation when required.
Step 3: Submit Request
- Fill out the analysis request form
- Mention test parameters
- Specify urgency level
Step 4: Testing & Monitoring
Trained technical experts operate the systems digitally and ensure calibration, safety, and precision
Step 5: Report Collection
Receive:
- High-resolution images
- Graphs and spectra
- Analytical interpretation
- Raw data files
Reports are suitable for industrial validation, research publications, product development, and quality control.
Conclusion
The Micro-Nano R&D Centre at Parul University is a comprehensive analytical ecosystem that bridges microscopic observation, atomic structure analysis, nanoscale mapping, and real-world durability testing.
With advanced instrumentation, standardised testing protocols, and expert technical support, MNRDC enables industries, innovators, and researchers to transform material insight into practical technological advancement accurately, efficiently, and non-destructively.
