MRI: Acquisition of a DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) System for R&D at CESUR (Center for Efficient and Sustainable Use of Resources) of Arkansas State University

这一重大研究仪器(MRI)奖的研究目标是获得一种DSC(差示扫描量热仪)系统，以测量与材料的热性能相对应的温度和热流，同时作为时间和温度的函数。差示扫描量热仪提供有关材料吸热/吸热(如熔化)和放热/放热(如熔融凝固)过程的定性和定量信息。DSC系统将由8名教员的多个研究小组在跨学科合作下共享和使用。该设备将支持的一些关键研究包括：1)可再生/核能/化石发电厂应用的先进换热流体的实验研究，以及预测新型多组分混合物相变行为的热力学建模的计算研究；2)TICPET(热诱导凝聚相电子转移)和金属卤化物盐化学的研究；3)通过检测结晶位移的实验稳定性分析来识别各种油脂；4)在没有外加电场的情况下，研究离子或其他非水液体的相变和结晶转变；5)固体生物燃料燃烧热的测定。DSC系统将提供机会建立一个协作的、跨学科的研究小组，探索一系列与他们对复杂盐、离子液体和其他能源相关项目的兴趣相关的研究。除了新材料的开发，随着时间的推移，DSC系统将为许多学生提供先进的研究经验，增强他们在热/流体/能源、化学和食品科学领域的竞争力。DSC系统将是对现有设备的重要补充，支持由NSF和其他联邦机构资助的各种研究项目。此外，DSC系统将提高阿肯色州立大学(ASU)资源高效和可持续利用中心(CSUR)的教职员工和研究人员的研发能力和技能。

The research objective of this Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award is to acquire a DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) system to measure the temperature and heat flow corresponding to the thermal performance of materials, both as a function of time and temperature. The DSC instrument provides qualitative and quantitative information on endothermic/heat absorbing (e.g. melting) and exothermic/heat releasing (e.g. solidification of fusion) processes of materials. The DSC system will be shared and utilized under interdisciplinary collaboration by eight faculty members' multiple research groups. Some of the key research that will be supported by this equipment includes: 1) experimental study of advanced heat transfer fluids for renewable/nuclear/fossil power plant applications and computational study of thermodynamic modeling to predict phase transition behaviors of novel multicomponent mixtures; 2) study of characterization of TICPET (Thermally Induced Condensed Phase Electron Transfer) and metal halide salt chemistry; 3) identification of various oils and fats through experimental stability analysis by detection of crystallization shift; 4) investigation of phase transitions and crystalline transitions of ionic or other nonaqueous liquids in the absence of applied electric field; and 5) determination of heats of combustion in solid biofuels.The DSC system will provide opportunities to establish a collaborative, cross-disciplinary research team exploring a set of studies related by their interest in complex salts, ionic liquids, and other energy related projects. In addition to the novel material development, the DSC system will provide advanced research experience to many students over time, enhancing their competitiveness in the thermal/fluids/energy, chemistry, and food science areas. The DSC system will be an important addition to existing equipment supporting a wide variety of research projects funded by NSF and other federal agencies. Furthermore, the DSC system will enhance R&D capacity and skills for faculty and researchers at the Center for Efficient and Sustainable Use of Resources (CESUR) at Arkansas State University (ASU).