Materials Analysis, Testing and Characterisation
We provide timely, high-precision materials testing and analysis for research, industry, and academia — including tensile strength, metal quality, abrasion resistance, and more.
Accreditations
Centre for Material Science LabISO 17025:2017 accredited – precise material characterization.
Building Material Science LabISO 17025:2017 accredited – advanced material testing.
Tests
| Test Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Material Characterisation |
Surface Morphology (imaging) Elemental Mapping (elemental distribution) Component metal quality comparison Metal grade determination Metal Heat treatment condition determination Failure analysis Diamond identification including micro diamonds |
| Material Thermal Analysis |
Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) Thermal stability of materials Thermal Decomposition Analysis Determining melting points, boiling points, and other phase changes Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Identify glass transitions (Tg), melting points (Tm), and crystallisation temperatures (Tc) Analysing drug stability, polymorphism |
| Mineral Geological Analysis |
Elemental Composition for exploration Mineral Type identification & quantification Geological Material Identification or verification GC-FID Analysis (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection) |
| Mineral Beneficiation |
Extraction of base metals from waste e.g. mine tailings Coal gasification |
| Green Technology in Mining | Carbon Sequestration |
| Water Analysis |
Elemental composition of: - Potable water - Borehole water - Mining process water |
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Compliance Services | Verification against ISO, SADC, and Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) requirements. |
| Technology Testing & Validation | Independent performance and durability testing of solar thermal collectors, storage systems, and hybrid technologies. |
| Prototype Trialling | Allowing startups and manufacturers to install prototypes on-site for real-environment validation. |
| Meteorological Data Integration | Providing localized solar irradiation, temperature, and humidity datasets for product optimization. |
| User-Centred Design Workshops | Bringing together engineers, policymakers, investors, and community members to co-design solar thermal applications. |
| Behavioural Research | Studying user adoption, affordability, and cultural acceptance of solar thermal solutions. |
| Design Feedback Loops | Early-stage collaboration with industry to refine products before mass-market deployment. |
For Collaboration & Knowledge Support
Training & Capacity Building
Training for technicians, engineers, and students on solar systems to enhance technical know-how and promote sustainable energy practices.
Policy Advisory Support
Providing evidence-based data to government institutions to support the formulation of renewable energy policies and standards.
Knowledge Sharing Platforms
Publishing open-access reports, technical bulletins, and best-practice guides for regional stakeholders to encourage innovation and transparency.
Networking Hub
Hosting workshops, hackathons, and conferences to bring together industry experts, academia, and communities for knowledge exchange and innovation.
Community Development Initiatives
Supporting local entrepreneurs in solar-related businesses such as installation, maintenance, and innovation, fostering local economic empowerment.
| Test Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Soundness testing | Testing of clay bricks to assess volumetric stability. |
| Transverse (flexural) strength testing | Testing of concrete roofing tiles to evaluate load-bearing capacity under bending stress. |
| Abrasion resistance testing | Testing of concrete pavers to determine surface durability and wear characteristics. |
| Compressive strength testing | Testing of bricks and concrete cubes to measure their load resistance under axial pressure. |
| Tensile strength testing | Testing of steel to evaluate its ability to resist pulling forces. |
| Cement testing |
Covering: - Compressive strength - Soundness - Fineness - Density - Setting time and consistency |
Facilities Providing These Services
Centre for Materials Science (CMS)
Advanced materials analysis, including surface imaging, elemental mapping, metal quality assessment, failure analysis, and diamond identification.
Building Materials Science Testing Laboratory
Precision testing for construction materials, covering tensile strength, abrasion resistance and roofing tile evaluation.
Solar Thermal Testing Facility (STTF)
Performance and quality assurance testing for solar thermal systems, including solar collector efficiency and thermosiphon system evaluation for local manufacturers.
Ready to request a test?
Share your sample type and required standards—we’ll confirm scope, pricing and turnaround.