Engineering Research Equipment Grant: Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotometer

了解在溶液和固体表面形成的各种化学物质对于理解化学、矿物和陶瓷加工行业中使用的各种技术的基础知识是很重要的。在选矿工业中用于选矿低品位矿石的浮选和选择性絮凝中，了解矿物与表面活性剂或聚合试剂在形成表面物质方面的相互作用对这些工艺的成功应用至关重要。了解聚合物在角膜和隐形眼镜表面的吸附机制对于选择合适的聚合物制备眼科溶液，用作人工泪液和眼润滑剂也是必不可少的。在溶胶-凝胶技术中，分析金属醇盐在水解过程中形成的各种物质是了解凝胶化过程的必要条件。配有样品池的傅里叶变换红外（FTIR）分光光度计将允许在悬浮液和液体中原位识别固体上的物种，这将提高上述研究领域正在进行和拟议的研究计划的能力和质量。

A knowledge of various chemical species formed in solution and on solid surfaces is important in understanding the fundamentals involved in various techniques used in chemical, mineral and ceramic processing industries. In flotation and selective flocculation, used in mineral processing industry for beneficiating low grade ores, an understanding of the interaction between mineral and surfactant or polymeric reagents in terms of surface species formed is essential for successful application of these processes. An understanding of mechanism of adsorption is also essential in the adsorption of polymer on cornea and contact lens surfaces for selection of appropriate polymers in the preparation of ophthalmic solutions, used as artificial tears and eye lubricants. In sol-gel technique, analysis of various species formed during hydrolysis of metal alkoxide is necessary to understand the gelling process. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotometer, provided with a sample cell which would permit the identification of species on solids in suspension and in liquids in situ, will enhance the capabilities and quality of the on-going and proposed research program in the above mentioned areas of study.