FTIR spectrometer imaging components and computer workstation for the study of nanofluids

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The research tools and instruments requested in this proposal will be used for the characterization and fundamental study of nanofluids. Nanofluids represent a novel kind of nanocomposite fluids with applications in heat transfer, optics, and as tracer fluids. They consist of regular fluids (e.g. water, ethylene glycol) hosting a suspension of nanoparticles which impart novel or enhanced properties to the host fluids. A mid- to near-IR range Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer will be used for the determination of the chemical structure of the processed host fluid and stabilization nanolayers deposited onto the nanoparticles. A CW laser and associated optical components will be used to image the macroscale dynamics of nanoparticles dispersed in the nanofluids and local fluid displacements. In turn, these results will be used to gain a better understanding of the anomalous mass/heat transport phenomena observed with such fluids. A computer workstation will be used for the image processing and computational modeling of the nanofluids dynamics. The FTIR spectrometer will be used by other researchers of the department to support their respective research activities: - Degradation of pharmaceuticals products (Prof. V. Yargeau): To obtain structural information on the metabolites and degradation products formed. To identify products formed during chemical and biological degradation of pharmaceuticals. The information will be used to improve the treatment methods and mitigate the release of pharmaceuticals in the environment. - Cell culture work (Prof. R. Leask): To verify protein attachment to surfaces. Most mammalian cells prefer to have a basement membrane of protein for proper attachment. FTIR spectroscopy is an excellent no-destructive way of ensuring proper coating before cell culture. - Gas hydrate formation (Prof. P. Servio): To investigate the chemical structures of gas hydrates formed in aqueous solutions.