Thermal Analysis Equipment for Undergraduate Laboratory Instruction in Chemistry

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A new laboratory course in polymer chemistry is being introduced with the acquisition of a thermal analysis system for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The equipment is also being used in five undergraduate courses covering analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The equipment is being utilized to expand the offerings in undergraduate research. Sophomore, junior, and senior students are studying the properties, structure, and reactions of a variety of compounds using thermal analysis as a probe. The thermal analysis instrumentation provides a dual benefit in improving the course offerings and updating the instrument holdings to enable the characterization of polymers. Instruction in polymer chemistry in the undergraduate curriculum has been neglected in many institutions. With the thermal analysis system with DSC and TGA capabilities new experiments can be introduced throughout the curriculum meeting the recommendations of the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society in this important area. The grantee is matching the award from non-Federal sources.