Center of Device Development CeDeD
Center of Device Development CeDeD
Klimatom: Climatic chamber for in-situ characterization of materials under a controlled climate
© Knud Dobberke for Fraunhofer ISC
Klimatom: Climatic chamber for in-situ characterization of materials under a controlled climate

© Knud Dobberke for Fraunhofer ISC

KLIMATOM – Material measurements under controlled climate

Analyzing material changes under temperature and humidity influence

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In-situ characterization of materials under climate change conditions

With KLIMATOM, Fraunhofer ISC offers a state-of-the-art analysis system for in-situ characterization of materials and material combinations under controlled climate conditions. The device enables contact-free and non-destructive measurements by examining the contours of samples using shadow image analysis. Transparent and translucent surfaces can also be analyzed using transmitted light, allowing precise detection of dimensional changes under controlled temperature and humidity conditions.

Advantages of KLIMATOM

  • Online measurement of heat and cold effects: Track material changes in real time.
  • In-situ characterization of expansion, swelling, and bending: Capture mechanical responses without damaging samples.
  • Analysis of material combinations: Ideal for composites with differing coefficients of expansion.
  • Determination of moisture sensitivity: Optimize materials for changing climate conditions.
  • Investigation of crystallization processes: For example, precipitation in aqueous solutions.

     

Applications for Different Materials


Plastics:

  • Online characterization under extreme climate conditions
  • Analysis of plastic composites
  • In-situ comparison of individual components
     

Building Materials:

  • Measurement of swelling and shrinkage in insulation, concrete, and composite materials
  • Analysis of bending failure and deflection under climate influence
  • Climate stability testing of insulation depending on binder content
  • Examination of surface treatment functionality
     

Coatings:

  • Quality control of coating application and functionality (e.g., anti-fog, ice protection, dust protection)
  • Analysis of wetting behavior
  • Investigation of delamination of coating systems under temperature and humidity influence

     

Your Benefits


KLIMATOM combines advanced CMOS camera technology with precise image analysis, allowing you to quickly, reliably, and reproducibly capture material changes under defined climate conditions. The system is ideal for research, industry, and product development to prepare materials for extreme or changing environmental conditions.

Technical Data of KLIMATOM

Temperature range: -40 °C to +160 °C
Humidity range: 30 % to 95 % r.h.
CMOS camera system: resolution of 0.3 μm and 20 images per second
Lighting: 100 W LED array (wavelength selective)
Implemented measurement algorithm
Analysis/evaluation of height, width, area and volume