Pontianak – On Monday, 19 May 2025, a total of 28 students from the Physics Study Programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Tanjungpura, took part in a practical session on material characterisation at the Integrated Physics Laboratory.

The participants were students enrolled in elective modules within the Functional Materials Physics concentration, namely Materials Fabrication Methods, Materials Characterisation Methods, Introduction to Polymer Physics, and Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

The activity began with a briefing from the Head of the Integrated Physics Laboratory, Ms Asifa Asri, S.Si., M.Si., who provided an overview of the instruments used in the practical: X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Her explanation aimed to familiarise students with the basic working principles and functions of each instrument.

The students then received technical guidance on sample preparation from the laboratory technician, Mr Anton, S.Si., before engaging directly in the practical work. Throughout the session, students were involved in the characterisation process using the three advanced instruments.

This hands-on practical was designed to equip students with real experience in material characterisation techniques, reinforcing theoretical knowledge acquired in lectures. It is hoped that through this activity, students will develop essential skills for research and development in the field of functional materials, particularly in analysing the structure, composition, and morphology of fabricated samples.