Desktop scanning electron microscope for examination of materials undergoing various processes

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A desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM) is requested for our studies on different materials in different projects and NSERC DG research programs. This equipment will be of great use in my research and that of my colleagues in my department and faculty. The desktop SEM will allow us to investigate and visualize the structure of different materials that we are working on, and to develop mathematical models, methods, and technologies. In my case, the SEM will be used to study the effects of heat treatment processes on the physical aspects of crop biomass during the process. This is very important to us since we are working with electro- technologies that use microwave (MW) and radio frequency (RF) energy to generate heat volumetrically within the biomaterial, which is different from the classic heat transfer scenario where heat is transferred from an external heat source to the material. The SEM will help us to address a knowledge gap on the effect of dielectric heating on the physical structures of different biomasses being heat since the dielectric properties of the material changes over time as moisture content decreases. The SEM will help to visualize and quantify physical changes and this data will be useful in developing mathematical models that accurately describe the heating and drying process within different materials that will be useful in developing control strategies for heating with MW and RF. The SEM will also be invaluable for my current projects into production of high quality biochar from agricultural residues using MW-assisted pyrolysis, and optimization of retting of hemp and flax to obtain high quality fibers, and for future planned work into production of hydrochar. Colleagues in my department and faculty also have much need for an SEM for their work on extraction of components from plant materials, encapsulation for development of fortified food products, production of nanomaterials and biopolymers, and studies on soils with and without biochar. The demand for this equipment continues to grow since this technology, and specifically a desktop model, provides information in a rapid and timely manner that helps investigators to understand the process being studied and developed, and facilitates the pace of research.