Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D)

QCM-D is a powerful tool for investigating mass changes and interactions occurring at surfaces as well as changes in viscoelasticity of surface bound materials.

QCM-D is a very flexible, real-time technique with nanogram sensitivity that enables analysis of phenomena such as:

• Uptake/release of material from surfaces
• Friction forces
• Interactions and reactions on surfaces
• Cross-linking and aggregation
• Thin film swelling, dissolution and corrosion.

Systems that can be studied include:

• Polymers, proteins and lipids
• Surfactants
• Nanoparticles and nanocomposites
• Microorganisms
• Petroleum components.

Due to its versatility, the QCM-D can be used for a number of research and industrial applications, including:

• Biomaterials and medical devices
• Tribology
• Consumer products e.g. cleaning and detergent analysis
• Biofuels, environmental and energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics‌.