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For industry

prof. dr hab. Grzegorz Gładyszewski

Department of Applied Physics

We conduct advanced research on the physical and mechanical properties of materials, supporting the development of modern materials, thin-film technologies and nanostructured systems for engineering and industrial applications.

Investigation of mechanical properties of materials using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation techniques
Fabrication of thin-film biopolymers and analysis of their physical properties
Research on structure and mechanical properties of metallic thin-film systems deposited and annealed in vacuum

Research infrastructure

For Industry

Department of Applied Physics

The Department of Applied Physics at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, supports industry with advanced material testing, surface analysis and thin-film characterisation. Our laboratory combines high-class research equipment with expert interpretation of results, helping companies verify material quality, optimise processes and better understand the structure and performance of modern engineering materials.

XRD analysis AFM surface studies Nanoindentation Scratch testing Thin films and coatings

Industry collaboration

Advanced research and measurement services for modern materials

The Department of Applied Physics offers specialised measurement and analysis services for companies working with metallic, composite, polymer, ceramic and biomaterial systems. Our services support quality control, product development, coating verification and advanced research on surfaces, thin films and structural properties of materials.

Material structure analysis

X-ray diffraction studies supporting phase identification, lattice parameter determination, strain analysis, texture studies and thin-film characterisation.

Surface topography and nanomechanics

AFM-based imaging and measurements of roughness, topography, Young’s modulus, adhesion, magnetic properties and surface features at micro- and nanoscale.

Mechanical properties of coatings

Nanoindentation, microhardness and scratch testing for evaluating hardness, elasticity, adhesion, friction and deformation behaviour of thin films and coatings.

Laboratory sample preparation

Precision sectioning, cutting, grinding, polishing, controlled storage and thermal treatment of samples as part of a complete testing workflow.

Research infrastructure

X-ray diffraction analysis of material structure

The department performs structural analysis using the Empyrean PANalytical X-ray diffractometer. The system operates in convergent or parallel beam geometry and supports high-resolution measurements for a wide range of material applications.

Equipment

Empyrean PANalytical XRD

High-resolution diffractometer with goniometer resolution up to 0.0001 in the angular range from -110° to 168°, supported by specialist software for advanced interpretation of results.

Measurement scope

Structure and crystallography

We perform Theta-2Theta, Omega-2Theta, Omega, pole figures, reciprocal space mapping and low-angle measurements for structural analysis of engineering materials.

Applications

Powders, solids and thin films

quantitative analysis of powder samples,
determination of lattice constants,
texture and lattice strain studies,
thin-film structure analysis,
thickness and roughness evaluation in thin and multilayer systems.

Surface studies

AFM analysis of surface parameters and nanomechanical properties

Surface characterisation is carried out using the Multimode 8 Bruker Atomic Force Microscope, which enables high-resolution 2D and 3D imaging of surfaces in air and in liquids, as well as quantitative nanomechanical analysis.

Equipment

AFM Multimode 8 Bruker

Maximum scanning area of 100 × 100 µm in XY and up to 5 µm in Z, with dedicated holders for both rigid and soft samples and multiple operating modes.

Measurement modes

Topography, nanomechanics and magnetics

Measurements can be performed in Contact, Tapping, Non-contact, QNM, MFM and LFM modes depending on the material and research objective.

Applications

Broad material compatibility

surface topography imaging and roughness measurement,
Young’s modulus and adhesion measurements,
height analysis of nanostructures,
phase imaging and pore diameter evaluation,
magnetic and electrical surface property studies,
verification of coating deposition quality during production.

Mechanical testing

Nanohardness, elasticity and scratch resistance of thin films

The department offers advanced mechanical testing of coatings, films and substrates using the Ultra Nanoindentation Hardness Tester (UNHT) CSM Instruments and the Nano-Scratch Tester (NST).

Equipment

UNHT and NST systems

The UNHT performs single and series measurements with loads from 0.01 mN to 50 mN, while the NST operates in two depth ranges with maximum loads of 15 mN and 100 mN.

Parameters

Mechanical and tribological properties

hardness and elastic modulus,
plastic and elastic deformation energy,
creep, fatigue and surface tensile behaviour,
scratch resistance and friction force,
adhesion and coating-substrate interaction.

Applications

Thin films, coatings and substrates

These systems are suitable for soft, hard, brittle and plastic materials, particularly for the study of films, protective coatings, painted surfaces, lacquers and functional material layers.

Microhardness testing

Microindentation analysis for engineering materials

The MHT-10 Anton Paar microhardness tester is used to determine material hardness with loads from 0.005 N to 4 N using Vickers and Knoop methods.

Equipment

MHT-10 Anton Paar

Precision system for microhardness measurement of engineering materials and surfaces requiring controlled indentation at micrometre scale.

Applications

Hardness and anisotropy

microhardness determination by Vickers and Knoop methods,
evaluation of hardness anisotropy of tested surfaces.

Material range

Versatile testing capability

Suitable for metallic, composite, polymer, ceramic materials and biomaterials used in research, development and industrial verification.

Additional laboratory support

Complete sample preparation and handling workflow

The laboratory is additionally equipped to support precise sample preparation, controlled storage and thermal processing, ensuring reliable and repeatable research results.

Sample sectioning and preparation

Three-axis sectioning device with diamond blades for precise cutting, grinding and polishing of samples.

Controlled measurement conditions

Analytical balance with 0.01 mg accuracy and systems for sample storage at constant relative humidity.

Thermal treatment

Laboratory furnace for drying and annealing of samples as part of comprehensive material preparation and testing procedures.

Contact

Let’s verify, analyse and improve your material solutions

The Department of Applied Physics invites companies and industrial partners to collaborate in the field of advanced material testing, thin-film characterisation and surface analysis.

Contact person: Prof. Grzegorz Gładyszewski
Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Lublin University of Technology

European Funds – PL2022 project

Project co-financed by the European Union under the European Social Fund, Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development 2014–2020 "PL2022 – Integrated Development Programme of Lublin University of Technology" POWR.03.05.00-00-Z036/17