CAREER: Exploring The Mechanisms Of Organic Surface Modification Processes

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This CAREER award to Professor Howard Fairbrother of Johns Hopkins University is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program in the Chemistry Division. The primary research objective is to study the behavior of self assembled monolayers and polyethylene surfaces when they are subjected to x-ray irradiation, and ion bombardment under ultra-high vacuum conditions. A molecular level understanding of the surface modification processes will be developed. Results from these studies will provide a detailed picture of the evolving interface during modification. Such information is important in the design of future treatment strategies and to the emerging field of polymer surface engineering. The educational aspect of this program has two main components. One is to use atomic force microscopy as a teaching tool in the University's physical chemistry lab and in outreach programs. The other is to develop experimental physical chemistry modules for inclusion on the University's web site. This project focuses on how x-rays, ions, and particles interact with organic surfaces to effect chemical transformations. The resulting knowledge of the changing surface will aid in the design of future surface treatment strategies and will be important to the emerging field of polymer surface engineering.