Thermogravimetric analysis instrument for development of high-performance elastomers, novel catalysts and nanomaterials

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This equipment grant application is for the purchase of a Q5000 IR Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) from TA Instruments for determining compositions and structural characteristics of catalysts, polymers and various nanomaterials. This TGA has a number of unique features compared to other TGAs, such as rapid and accurate measurement and advanced automation as well as wide temperature range of measurement.        The research to be supported by this requested equipment includes various ongoing research projects within the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo. A few ongoing research programs are named here as examples: Development of Advanced Rubber Materials/Technology and Development of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology. These research programs are NSERC/Industrial Research Chair projects, or NSERC/Industrial Collaborative Research and Development projects, or NSERC Discovery Grant projects or industrial projects. These projects are located at the frontier of the relevant research fields. The realization of these projects will make significant contributions to both academic and commercial aspects of these areas. However, the success of these projects requires an advanced TGA such as the requested Q5000 IR TGA.        The purchase of such equipment will enhance the research tools and training facilities in the Department of Chemical Engineering at University of Waterloo. The success of these research programs and the training of high quality personnel will be beneficial to high-tech development and economic prosperity of Canada.