Equipment

The SCiM laboratory, located on the first floor of Davis Hall at UC Berkeley, is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments to support synthesis, sample preparation, and cement-science related analyses. Key equipment includes:

• X-ray Diffractometer (Bruker D8 Advance): Configurable for both reflection and transmission, optimized for low-angle background minimization—critical for clay and cement analysis.
• Two Isothermal Calorimeters (TAM Air): For monitoring hydration kinetics.
• Nitrogen Adsorption System (Micromeritics Tristar): Enables BET surface area and full isotherm analysis of powders.
• Helium Pycnometer: For accurate density measurements.
• High-Temperature Furnaces: Rated up to 1700°C (synthesis) and 1000°C (calcination), with platinum crucibles.
• SEM Sample Polisher: Automated force head and fluid exchange capabilities.
• Vacuum Impregnation System: For SEM sample preparation.
  

The SCiM wet-chemistry laboratory, compliant with UC Berkeley safety standards, supports experimental synthesis. It is equipped with hydrothermal reactors (for kaolinite synthesis), drop-wise reactors with pH/Ca electrodes and N₂ flushing (for C-S-H synthesis), fume hoods, high shear mixers and all necessary chemicals, sensors and general labware to conduct the planned experiments. The lab also includes three large environmental chambers and desiccators for controlled sample storage.