VILNIUS TECH Civil Engineering Science Center has been supplemented by one of the most modern simultaneous thermal analysis devices. This high-quality system allows for highly accurate study of the thermal properties of materials – phase transformations, degradation, composition and stability, and the obtained data can be used both for the development of new materials and for quality control.

The device, worth about 230,000 euros, is distinguished by its wide temperature range and the integration of several analysis methods, which allows for the study of various composites, recycled raw materials, energy storage materials and other systems.

“Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) combines thermogravimetry (TGA) and dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in a single measurement system, which allows for simultaneous recording of mass changes and heat flows in the same sample under identical conditions,” shares one of the project leaders, VILNIUS TECH Composite Materials Laboratory scientist Dr. Rimvydas Stonys.

This method provides accurate and detailed information about thermal stability, phase transformations, oxidation and reduction reactions, and decomposition processes.

“Accurate thermal analysis of materials is necessary, because it determines the durability of materials, the safety of structures, the service life of products, and the efficiency of energy consumption,” says Dr. R. Stonys.

The new equipment of the Civil Engineering Science Center will be available not only to the academic community, but also to business: companies will be able to test the stability of their products, develop material alternatives and implement prototype development processes faster.

According to Dr. Rimvydas Stonys, the new device will strengthen science and business cooperation in creating sustainable, durable materials and high-value-added products and will ensure the efficiency and environmental friendliness of such products.

The new technology will have wide application in construction, energy and other industrial fields, and VILNIUS TECH plans to continue to actively join various international partnerships.

The equipment was purchased within the framework of the implementation of the ŠMSM-supported project “Civil Engineering Science Center” (Project No. S-A-UEI-23-5).

Recently, the VILNIUS TECH Civil Engineering Science Center purchased equipment for 300,000 euros for long-term, advanced reinforced concrete research. Modern long-term load stands with continuous monitoring will be used for them, and the entire experiment will last at least one year in a specially adapted chamber with temperature and humidity regulation. 

Usually, in engineering practice, tests are performed after 7, 28 or 56 days, so research lasting longer than 56 days is a real rarity. This will allow scientists to obtain extremely valuable long-term behavior data, which will allow for better design of reinforced concrete structures and take into account the principles of sustainability. 

The new equipment was purchased within the framework of the project “Civil Engineering Science Center” (Project No. S-A-UEI-23-5, ŠMSM).