IMR-RUI: Acquisition of a Powder X-Ray Diffractometer for Materials Research and Student Training

该补助金支持在詹姆斯麦迪逊大学购买用于材料研究的X射线衍射仪，该大学是一所国家支持的，主要是本科院校，致力于学术，研究和教学的不可分割性。该仪器将用于研究磷酸盐和膦酸盐骨架材料的制备、电子器件陶瓷的合成、选择性激光烧结聚合物加工以及新型氟化铝矿物的研究。该小组的目标是获得一种仪器，扩大可以进行结构表征的材料范围，并提高研究人员可用数据的质量和数量。 该仪器将显着提高实验室环境中的研究和正式课程，并将使更多的前沿研究项目，挑战和激励本科生。 它将提供一个强大的教学工具，向学生介绍现代材料表征技术。这种X射线仪器将用于本科生研究和教育中心材料科学在詹姆斯麦迪逊大学。 该中心涉及来自化学，地质和环境研究，综合科学和技术，数学和物理系的教师。该计划描述了粉末X射线衍射，材料表征，矿物学和无机合成的课程开发。 这些设备将提供给那些被鼓励为学分做独立研究的学生。研究活动非常适合本科生的参与，并应导致高质量的出版物，和学生在有用的材料表征技术的培训。

This grant supports the purchase of an X-ray diffractometer for materials research at James Madison University, a state-supported, predominantly undergraduate institution committed to the inseparability of scholarship, research and teaching. The instrumentation will be used for investigations on the preparation of phosphate and phosphonate framework materials, the synthesis of ceramics for electronic devices, polymer processing by selective laser sintering and the study of novel aluminum fluoride minerals. The goal of the group is to obtain an instrument that expands the range of materials that can be structurally characterized and improves the quality and quantity of data available to researchers. This instrument will significantly enhance the laboratory environment in research and formal coursework, and will enable more cutting edge research projects that challenge and motive undergraduate students. It will provide a powerful teaching tool to introduce students to modern materials characterization techniques.This X-ray instrumentation will be used both in undergraduate research and for education by the Center for Materials Science at James Madison University. The Center involves faculty from the departments of Chemistry, Geology and Environmental Studies, Integrated Science and Technology, Mathematics, and Physics. The plan describes course development in powder X-ray diffraction, materials characterization, mineralogy and inorganic synthesis. This equipment will be available to students who are encouraged to do independent research for academic credit. The research activities are well suited for undergraduate participation and should result in quality publications, and students trained in useful materials characterization techniques.