Integrated Instrumental System for Research and Education in Analytical Chemistry
Abstract
Central State University proposes acquisition of an integrated instrumental system comprised of microscopic, spectroscopic, and thermogravimetric equipment components to discern degradation mechanisms of various chemically manufactured materials, including natural products. This system will enhance the universityÕs research and education in analytical chemistry as well as increase collaboration between the universityÕs faculty in chemistry and military science. Additionally, this instrumental system will impact student participation in research by enhancing workforce preparedness of chemistry and military science majors who are underrepresented minorities in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Existing resources will be augmented by enhancing the research capabilities of both programs, the department and college by further developing a research focus area of interest to the Principal Investigators in chemical kinetics strengthening the curriculum by addressing the three general aims noted in this Funding Opportunity Announcement W911NF-20-S-0010. Just as significant, this integrated system complements the chemistry program curriculum and research in human-centered design (HCD) and enriches participating underrepresented students graduating with employable skills in analytical chemistry and/or intending to pursue advanced degrees at regional institutions with complementary graduate programs. This integrated system has added value in outreach efforts with local high school JROTC programs to assist in the recruitment of highly motivated cadets into STEM fields. Additionally, it will support military science in attracting and retaining these cadets to be commissioned as officers with degrees in STEM further increasing warfighter readiness to meet the future needs of the DoD. The equipment/instrumentation requested for purchase are (1) a raman spectrometer, (2) thermogravimetric analyzer, (3) differential scanning colorimeter, (4) corrosion test chamber, and (5) scanning electron microscope. These items comprise the major research/research-related education components of the integrated system required to study the products of chemical degradation. (1) DXR3 Raman: High performance Raman (1.7 µm depth resolution, 540 nm spatial resolution) with advanced 3D imaging capabilities ideal for chemical and structural analysis of multidimensional materials, pharmaceuticals, advanced polymers, microplastics and failure analysis applications. (2) Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA, Model 8000) with Mass Spectrometer (MS, Model SQ8T) and (3) Model 6000 Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC): This system operates under inert environment and it is equipped with built-in nitrogen generator capable of purifying nitrogen to >99% purity level. The DSC will enhance materials characterization during product degradation to separate kinetic events with scan rates from 0.1 ¼C to 100 ¼C for broad application flexibility and to enable TGA data to be interpreted with greater ease. (4) Q-Fog Cyclic Corrosion Chamber: This 1100-liter chamber enables degradation tests to be conducted up to 100% relative humidity (%RH) with varying electrolyte solutions to produce a salt fog capable of being cycled over time. This integral component of the system facilitates accelerated corrosion of materials to be chemically analyzed by the other system components. (5) Benchtop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS): This component enables state-of-the-art SEM and microanalysis capabilities using a 1-30kV electron beam with 150,000x magnification and 5 nm resolution of bare and coated samples, all from a system the size of a large computer tower sitting on a tabletop.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110144
Entities
People
- Leanne Petry
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Central State University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense