| Affiliations: | |
| Project Leader: | Joshua O’Neal hammer534@tamu.edu Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering |
| Faculty Mentor: | Jodie Lutkenhaus Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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Summer 2017: F 9am-11am (subject to change) |
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Team Size:
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3 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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co-authorship on publication, good possibility of future membership in this research group (based on performance and competency)
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Team Needs:
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Excel, graphing/plotting software, technical writing, preferably some lab experience, Strong work ethic, positive attitude, flexible work schedule, junior year or above in science or engineering degree |
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Description:
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In this project we will explore the physical response properties of layer-by-layer assembled polyelectrolyte thin films using quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation. This is a technique that allows us to build our films and observe in real-time the swelling or contracting response the films have to various counter ion solutions. We will also study the film composition using neutron activation analysis in order to gain an understanding of the internal structure and behavior in response to ion exchanges at various concentrations. Finally, we have a branch of the project that focuses on the thermal properties of our layer-by-layer films. This study is conducted on free standing films using differential scanning calorimetry. This is a multi-dimensional project that will give you a good foundational understanding of polymer chemistry from an engineering standpoint as well as provide experience with analytical techniques you likely have never used before. In this project you will be a fully functioning member of the research team and will participate in both data analysis and publication writing/editing. The goal of this is to give you experience in the research setting as well as get your name on a publication that will result from this work. Training will be sufficient and your contribution will be valuable. |