GnoSys UK is a multidisciplinary science and technology company specializing in research support, technical services, innovative materials and product and software development.

Due to our historic links with the University of Surrey we have relationships with a great many organisations from across academia, government and industry.

GnoSys UK Ltd provides research and analytical solutions.

Not just an analytical service!

With Gnosys UK you will get far more than a list of numbers and graphs, our experts have a sound knowledge base, so your results will arrive fully interpreted with the answers you need.

We will tailor our services to your needs and provide rapid solutions. We will work closely with you through all stages of your project.

Are you looking for support in any of these areas?

• Analytical and troubleshooting services
• Technical expertise for research and development
• Development of research projects and programmes for specific needs
• Quality assurance methods
• Experimental design and maximising data use
• Materials selection advice
• Process monitoring

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Drug Stability Research (A case study)

We have developed a method for full and rapid characterisation of the active ingredient/polymorph in a drug delivery system. In-situ spectroscopic analyses allowed us to compare drug formulation at different points in the manufacturing process and at various points in the degradation of the polymorph. Ageing studies combined with multivariate analysis ensured that a stable drug formulation was developed and the client was then able to take the drug to market.

Multivariate analysis is a group of methods that clusters samples with similar spectra and correlates these with chemical and physical properties.

In this example, four polymorphs are clearly clustered and mixtures are seen on a trajectory between them. This provides rapid visual quality identification.

Identification and characterisation

Spectroscopic analysis

We can identify the chemical nature of a material using FT-IRFourier Transform Infra-Red or Raman spectroscopy. These measure the molecular vibrations of the samples either in the laboratory or through fibre optics in-situ. The analysis can be used to calculate concentration, not only for the sample but of individual molecular components. We can also monitor reactions and determine parameters such as degree of cure and reaction kinetics.

The image shows the Raman spectra generated during an in-situ measurement of the polymerisation of styrene. The C=C band at 3010cm^-1 due to the vinyl group in the styrene decreases as the band at 2900cm^-1 due to the CH stretch in polystyrene increases. From this analysis we were able to determine the degree of polymerisation as a function of temperature and time.

Microscopic analysis

We can examine the morphology of materials using optical or electron microscopy (using electrons rather than light to produce a high resolution image. SEM Scanning Electron Microscopy works by detecting backscattered and secondary electrons emitted from the sample after contact with the electron beam. X-rays are also emitted so by using an EDX Energy Dispersive X-ray detector, composition information is produced. We use SEM for surface analysis. For Bulk analysis we use TEM Transmission Electron Microscopy , this works on a similar principal to the SEM but uses different detectors and has a higher magnification capability.

The image is a TEM image of a carbon replica of permanganically etched XLPE cross-linked polyethylene . The individual lamellae are clearly visible. TEM analysis was used to identify voids in XLPE power cable. This was combined with spectroscopic analysis of the cable which showed rate of migration of additives from the semiconducting cable layer into the XLPE and the degradation of peroxide additives in the XLPE itself. This allowed us to predict the lifetime of the cable in service.

The SEM Image is of worn flame retarded fabric and the accompanying EDX image is of a particle found in the fabric. The SEM shows the fibre structure while the EDX shows elements such as bromine and antimony in the particle. Analysis of flame retarded fabrics allowed us to assess the health risks of using flame retardants in home furnishings.

Properties and Performance

Thermal Analysis

Thermal methods such as DSC Differential Scanning Calorimetry, TGA Thermogravimetric Analysis and DMA Dynamic Mechanical Analysis are used to determine properties such as glass transition temperature (Tg), melting, curing and degradation behaviour; this is combined with mechanical properties such as loss modulus and storage modulus.