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Project
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PI
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Project Title
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Project Abstract
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1
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Faisal Alamgir
MSE
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Synthesis of Novel Core-Shell Catalyst Structures and the Characterization of their Interaction with Adsorbates
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While it has been demonstrated that Pt-based catalysts with a core-shell architecture are effective as
electrodes for low-temperature fuel cells (in spite of the low Pt loading in the catalysts), the mechanism by which the electronic structure of core-shell catalysts influence the chemisorption
properties of necessary reactants (e.g. O2, H2) and also detrimental species (e.g. CO) is poorly understood. We will investigate the effect on the electronic structure of Pt-based and other
noble metal-based core-shell catalysts on the chemisorbed species by ex- and in-situ control of the catalyst surface composition and architecture. Core-shell systems will be prepared through
electro-deposition and through evaporation of shell material onto core substrates, where the coverage of the core by the shell will be monitored through the temperature-controlled stripping profile
of known adsorbed species. Next, the electronic structure of the surface of the core-shell catalyst material will be measured using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
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2
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Nazanin Bassiri-Gharb
MSE/ME
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Nano-Scale Piezoelectric Powders
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Although micron-sized piezoelectric powders (for large scale actuators, sensors, and transducers) are currently produced using a mixed oxide process, they become
inadequate when product structure or size is reduced to 1-10 micron scale, specifically for low voltage, high frequency, and high resolution applications. The overall goal of this project is to
produce and test nano-scale piezoelectric powders that can be commercially performance and cost competitive. the nano-powders will be produced by mixed oxide and hydrothermal processes from
which test ceramics will be fabricated, tested, and compared. The project will focus on the performance optimization with respect to compositions and particle size.
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3
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Nazanin Bassiri-Gharb
ME/MSE
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High Energy Density Piezoelectric Actuators
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Commercial piezoelectric actuators are designed to efficiently convert applied voltage to
strain. The overall goal of this project is to produce actuators with very high energy conversion efficiency AND at a high energy density. This will be achieved by creating multilayer
actuators produced from various high energy density nano-powder materials. The actuators will be characterized and compared with commercially available actuators. Processing conditions of
single layer piezoelectric materials and multilayers of piezoelectric material and electrode will be optimized.
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4
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Jean-Luc Bredas
CHEM
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Computational Modeling of the Electronic Structure of Organic Semiconductors for Solid-State Ligthing and Solar Cells
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Organic semiconductors become increasingly used as the active elements in new generations of semiconductor devices such as light-emitting diodes, solar cells, or field-effect transistors. The
goal of this project is to evaluate and compare the electronic structure of novel organic materials in view of their incorporation in devices. The project will consist of using a variety of
quantum-chemical computational methods to describe the electronic, optical, and/or transport properties of organic semiconductors based on pi-conjugated oligomers or polymers.
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5
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Ian Ferguson
ECE/MSE
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MOCVD Growth and Characterization of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors for Room Temperature Ferromagnetism
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The wide bandgap semiconductors such as GaN and ZnO have attracted interest in recent years as theoretical predications suggest that transition metal doping in these materials should result in room
temperature ferromagnetism. The successful development of these materials could lead to the integration of electrical, optical and magnetic properties and pave way for devices such as integrated
chip-based magnetic memories, reconfigurable logic elements, polarized light emitting diodes (LED), and building blocks for solid state quantum computing.
Currently, there are several conflicting reports on the actual Curie temperature of transition metal doped GaN and of the ferromagnetism mechanism. This overall goal of this project is to derive the ferromagnetism mechanism in the Nitrides and to bridge the gap between theory and experiment by conducting MOCVD growth and in-depth structural, optical and magnetic characterization of transition metal doped GaN (at both the bulk and quantum level). Different transition metal dopants will be employed in this study to understand how the electrical, magnetic and optical properties change and also to see if these properties scale from the quantum to the bulk level.
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6
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Ken Gall
MSE
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Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Thiolene:acrylate Networks
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The thiol-ene polymerization reaction was first posited in 1905 by Posner, but research in the area of thiol polymers since then was largely abandoned in favor of the more readily available cheap
acrylates, until recently.
The thiol-ene reaction has many benefits when compared to that of acrylates, and the differences in the polymerization reaction lead to distinctly different network structures. We are interested in how these different networks ultimately affect the final thermo-mechanical properties of the polymer – and how these properties can possibly be exploited in the design and creation of new biomedical devices. The project will consist of creating different monomer mixtures, polymerizing samples, testing the samples using a variety of equipment, and analysis of the resultant data.
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7
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Hamid Garmestani
MSE
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Solid Oxide fuel Cell Sealant Materials – Processing and Characterization
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Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a clean and efficient alternative to fossil fuels. This project explores glass-ceramics as an SOFC seal material. SOFC seals require several important
mechanical properties and are a vital part of planar SOFCs. The goal of this project is to investigate the visco-elastic and creep properties of SOFC seal glass-ceramics at high temperatures.
High temperature micro-indentation at different strain rates will be used to measure the creep properties of the seal material. These results will then be used to develop a model to
predict visco-elastic and creep properties of glass-ceramic SOFC seal materials.
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8
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Arun Gokhale
MSE
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Applications of Digital Image Processing for Mathematical Representation of Microstructures
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It is the basic tenet of Materials Science that processing governs microstructural geometry, which in turn influences material properties and performance. Therefore, mathematical/statistical
representation of microstructure in the models and simulations of materials behavior is of significant important. The project concerns applications of digital image analysis techniques for estimation
of detailed n-point correlation functions and other statistical measures for representation of microstructures of metal matrix composites and Mg-alloys of interest in the aerospace and automotive
industries.
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9
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Jim Gole
Physics
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Nanostructures and Porous Silicon: Activity at Interfaces in Sensors and Photocatalytic Reactors
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It has become evident that the enhanced activity of nanoscale structures can have a profound affect on the development and modification of MEM/NEMS sensing/tagging/microreactor technology, providing
new inroads to create hybrid devices with greatly enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Within this framework, our laboratories have been concerned with (1) the action of nanostructures as they are
introduced to nonporous/microporous interfaces and their subsequent ability to enhance interaction and thus to promote an increased sensitivity and a more efficient conversion and transduction,
(2) the development of facile, high yield, nanoscale, exclusive synthesis processes forming the novel interactive nanostructures necessary for this effective interface modification, and (3) the
development of “Active” microfilters In developing these interfaces, we seek to identify the micro-nanoscale materials phenomenon that form the framework for new approaches to marking, tagging, and
sensing.
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10
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Meilin Liu
MSE
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Novel Materials for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
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Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) represents one of the cleanest, most efficient, and versatile technologies for chemical-to-electrical energy conversion. The objective of this research project is to
explore new materials for low-temperature SOFCs in order to make fuel cell technology economically competitive. Impedance spectroscopy and other electrochemical characterization techniques will be
used to study ionic transport and electrochemical properties of new materials under various conditions.
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11
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Seth R. Marder
CHEM/MSE
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Materials for Organic Electronics and Photonics
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Organic electronics and photonics materials are emerging as exciting solutions for the developing of lightweight, flexible, and inexpensive alternative to conventional inorganic and semiconductor
devices for a variety of information technology, and display applications. SURF students will receive exposure to the design, synthesis and characterization of materials for electronic and photonic
applications. In addition, students will receive training in the preparation of coherent research reports, a well as the preparation and delivery of scientific talks. In each case, in addition
to supervision by Dr. Marder, students will be paired with a postdoctoral or graduate student mentor.
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12
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Valeria Milam
MSE
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Stabilizing DNA Duplexes for Biomaterial Applications
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Oligonucleotides allow for recognition-based colloidal assembly. One of the challenges to extending DNA as a biocolloidal assembly tool is the susceptibility of duplexes to serum nucleases.
This project will explore experimental routes to stabilizing DNA duplexes using either synthetic or natural polymers to sterically hinder nuclease activity.
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13
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Valeria Milam
MSE
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Oligonucleotide Linkers Between Cellular Mimics and Biomaterial Surfaces
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We have successfully demonstrated that DNA can be employed for recognition-based colloidal assembly. This project expands our experimental system to explore DNA-mediated adhesion and detachment of
colloids (acting as cellular mimics) on biomaterials substrates such as hydrogels.
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14
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Richard W. Neu
ME/MSE
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High Temperature Fatigue of Directionally-Solidified Ni-base Superalloy
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The efficiency and reliability of gas turbines critically rely upon the mechanical behavior of the directionally-solidified Ni-base superalloys used in the hot-section components. The overall
goal of this project is to develop fatigue life models for high temperature cyclic loadings with dwells at maximum temperature. This project will primarily focus on characterizing the fatigue
damage and fracture behavior of specimens with different stress concentrations that have undergone high temperature cyclic loading primarily through scanning electron microscopy. In addition,
the student will be exposed to fatigue testing and life modeling methodologies.
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15
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Jud Ready
GTRI/MSE
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Carbon Nanotubes for Electronic Applications
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The SURF student will work in a team environment (currently 4 undergrads, 1 grad, 2 full-time) to study electronic applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The applications are primarily focused
on the use of CNTs to form a 3-D light-trapping array for novel photovoltaic cells; as afield emission source for Hall Effect thrusters for satellite propulsion; and as terrascale
interconnects. The student will utilize thermal evaporators, ultra-violet photolithography, clean room tools, electrical probe stations, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray
diffractometers (XRD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), ion assisted deposition (IAD) equipment and other tools during the internship. Prior experience is useful
but not necessary as thorough training will be provided. Other CNT-enabled applications being studied are electrochemical double layer supercapacitors and CNT-functionalized quartz and basalt
fabrics.
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16
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Meisha Shofner
PTFE/MSE
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Processing and Characterization of Polyphenylene Nanocomposites
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Nanocomposite materials are novel alternatives to traditional composites and bulk materials in many applications due to the multifunctional properties, unique structure, and large surface area of
nanoscale fillers. The overall goal of this project is to exploit this increased surface area to improve the properties of a high performance polymer matrix, polyphenylene, through the addition
of carbon nanotubes. The project activities will include processing the nanocomposites using techniques such as melt-mixing and characterizing the physical properties through mechanical testing
and thermal analysis.
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17
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Preet M. Singh
MSE
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Selective Corrosion Susceptibility of Austenitic and Ferritic Phases of Duplex Stainless Steels
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Duplex stainless steels have almost equal volume fraction of austenite and ferrite phases in most of commonly used grades. Relative corrosion susceptibility of these phases depends on their
composition and relative stability of the protective film in different environments. Micro-electrochemical techniques will be used to correlate the average composition of phases with their corrosion
susceptibility. Different heat treatments will be given to duplex stainless steels to change their relative phase ratios and precipitation. Effect of microstructural changes on the localized
corrosion behavior will also be evaluated. Students will get an experience in heat treatment, metallography, and corrosion testing fields.
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18
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Robert Snyder
MSE
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In-situ X-ray Characterization of Nanowires
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Quasi-one-dimensional nanostructures, such as nanowires and nanobelts, have large aspect ratios, with lengths up to a few microns and diameters generally less than 100 nm. Many potentially
useful applications of nanowires of semiconducting materials including ZnO, have been demonstrated, including field emitters, gas sensors and nanogenerators. However, the process by which
these nanostructures are synthesized is not yet well understood. The purpose of this project is to characterize the structure of growing nanowires during synthesis, using in-situ X-ray
diffraction.
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19
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Chris Summers
MSE
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Nano Light Emitters for Gamma Ray Detectors
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Nanophosphors and quantum dots offer promising alternatives to current solid-state scintillator crystal gamma ray detectors. Thus, the overall goal of this project is to synthesize efficient
nanoscaled light emitters to be used in composite scintillator. Wet and/or dry chemical synthesis techniques will be used to prepare the scintillator materials and their optical emission
properties characterized for wavelength and quantum efficiency. Promising samples will be tested in a gamma ray counter system.
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20
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Naresh Thadhani
MSE
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High-strain-rate Characterization of Reactive Materials
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Intermetallic-forming powder mixtures provide a new class of reactive materials system. Understanding of the high-strain-rate deformation and fracture response of the reactants under impact loading is
essential for control of reaction initiation and design of energetic materials or simply the synthesis of non-equilibrium compounds. Impact experiments will be performed on refractory aluminide
forming systems (e.g., Ta-Al, W-Al, Ni-Al, etc.) in which the deformation response will be monitored in real time using high-speed camera and velocity interferometry. Discrete particle simulations
will also be performed and correlated with the deformation response observed in real time, to determine the mechanochemical processes involved in influencing the onset and propagation of reaction in
these systems
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21
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Vladimir V. Tsukruk
MSE
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Bioassisted Design of Encapsulated Inorganic Nanoparticles
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The creation of nanomaterials using biological templates has received much attention since it allows mimicking the growth and assembly processes found in natural materials and offers the advantage of
precise control over particle shapes and sizes. In this study, we use the recombinant silaffin protein as a template to grow titania nanoparticles at room temperature. We focus on the
surface-mediated nucleation and growth of the titania, gold, and silver nanoparticles as a kinetically-driven process allowing to control nanoscale dimensions and surface distribution within
organized polymeric matrices.
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22
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C. P. Wong
MSE
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High Performance Anistropic Conductive Adhesives for Lead-free Interconnects
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Recently, anisotropic conductive adhesives (ACAs) have attracted increasing interests in electronic packaging industry due to the advantages of ultra fine pitch capability potential, low processing
temperatures, low stress on substrate, environmentally friendly, etc. Currently on the market there are many conductive adhesives that are primarily targeted for low-end applications. However, the
National Center for Manufacturing Science (NCMS) study indicates that no current commercial conductive adhesives could be used as a drop-in replacement to lead-containing solders, in particular for
high-end purposes. The ACA joints have lower electrical conductivity and poor current carrying capability due to the restricted contact area and poor interfacial bonding of the ACAs and metal bond
pads, compared to the metallurgical joint of the metal solders. In this study, to improve the electrical properties of ACAs, self-assembled monolayer (SAM) compounds are introduced into the interface
between metal fillers and metal bond pads of ACAs. The adherence of SAM compounds on metal surfaces is studied and the thermal stability of SAMs is also investigated using thermogravimetric analyzer
(TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), contact angle (goniometer testing) to demonstrate that SAM molecules are readily adhered to metal finishes at varying temperatures.
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23
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Gleb Yushin
MSE
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Nanomaterials for Carbon Monofluoride (Li/CFx) Primary Battery
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Due to its lightweight, Li/CFx chemistry provides the highest theoretical specific capacity, which translates into the highest theoretical energy density among batteries. However, large size and
low conductivity of CFx particles limit the power capabilities of this technology. The overall goal of this project is to test new advanced nanostructured CFx powders, which are expected to increase
the conductivity of CFx four-to-twelve orders of magnitude without substantial reduction of the CFx capacity. This project will focus on the assembling the novel Li/CFx batteries and performing their
electrochemical evaluation.
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24
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Min Zhou
ME/MSE
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Time-resolved Digital Photographic Analysis of Material Deformation
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The quantification of the spatial distribution of material deformation and failure is important in understanding the behavior of materials. Digital photography along with computer image processing
offers an advanced approach for recording and analyzing deformation and fracture in materials. This project focuses on the use of this form of digital diagnostics in analyzing material behavior in a
time-dependent manner. The participant will have to opportunity to conduct dynamic experiments and analyze the deformation using the digital imaging tools.
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IREP
25
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Watson Loh
Universidade Estadual de Campinas, BRAZIL
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Energetic and Structural Characterization of Polymer-Surfactant Complexes
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Polymer and surfactant complexes display properties, which may differ from the pure components and enable their use in a variety of industrial, biomedical and pharmaceutical products. This project
aims at characterizing structures formed by their self-assembling, by means of the determination of their phase diagrams and structural investigations using small-angle X ray scattering and NMR
techniques. It also aims at the thermodynamic investigation of their association by using calorimetric techniques in order to assess the driving forces controlling structure formation.
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