Acquisition of Scanning Electron Microscope Instrumentation

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With funds from the Academic Research Infrastructure Program a field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM) will be acquired for the study of polymers, ceramics, and biological materials. The facility will include energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) which will provide a substantial improvement in the detection of light elements (boron through fluorine) which is very important for the materials being studied. It will also include an ion beam coater to produce ultrathin chromium coatings for high resolution imaging of nonconducting materials. Research topics under investigation include: 1) bioengineered proteins and bioceramics; 2) aqueous processing of biopolymers; 3) bioceramic plant products; 4) polymer surface studies; 5) block copolymer surfaces; 6) assembly of polymers at interfaces; 7) fracture resistance of fiber- reinforced polymer blends; 8) carbon black reinforcement of rubber; 9) embrittlement of nylons by salt; 10) gelation crystallization of polymers from supercritical solutions; 11) microstructural effects in high tempereature crack growth in ceramics; 12) shock and thermal history of iron and chronditic meteorites. A field emission gun scanning electron microscope will be acquired for the study of polymers, ceramics, and biological materials. The research involves a diverse range of studies of polymer and ceramics, including bioceramics, and biomolecular materials. The work includes studies of silk films and wood infused with ceramics and has many potential applications.