Dynamic and static light-scattering goniometer for soft nanocomposites

要求是一个国家的最先进的动态和静态光散射测角仪的研究软凝聚物质，特别是聚合物溶液，胶体分散体，纳米乳液和水凝胶。该仪器检测从这些材料散射的光，提供其纳米级动力学和结构的基本定量测量。这些数据将用于（i）测试合成方案，提供溶液中大分子和纳米结构的尺寸;（ii）评估材料性能和功能，包括纳米颗粒动力学与聚合物网络耦合的程度;以及（iii）解释纳米材料研究的新型诊断测试平台，包括电声光谱和介电光谱在水凝胶纳米复合材料和纳米乳液中的应用。该仪器将是加拿大首个此类仪器，支持一项研究计划，该计划正在为加拿大的先进材料部门开发水凝胶纳米复合材料，并寻求基础知识，以加强纳米技术的健康，环境和能源应用。对高素质人员的培训将为加拿大的工业和学术研究实验室带来纳米科学和最先进的光散射技术方面的专门知识。水凝胶中纳米粒子动力学的基础知识将为工业和政府监管机构提供有关纳米粒子释放和毒性的科学指导。

Requested is a state-of-the-art dynamic and static light-scattering goniometer for studying soft condensed matter, particularly polymer solutions, colloidal dispersions, nano-emulsions, and hydrogels. The instrument detects the light scattered from these materials, furnishing fundamental quantitative measures of their nano-scale dynamics and structure. These data will be used to (i) test synthetic protocols, providing the size of macromolecules and nanostructures in solution; (ii) assess material performance and function, including the degree to which nanoparticle dynamics couple to polymeric networks; and (iii) interpret novel diagnostic testing platforms for nanomaterials research, including the application of electroacoustic spectroscopy and dielectric spectroscopy for hydrogel nanocomposites and nanoemulsions. The instrument will be the first of its kind in Canada, supporting a research program that is developing hydrogel-nanocomposites for Canada's advanced-materials sector, and seeking fundamental knowledge to enhance health, environmental, and energy applications of nanotechnology. Training of highly-qualified-personnel will bring expertise in nanoscience and state-of-the-art light-scattering technology to Canada's industrial and academic research laboratories. Fundamental knowledge on the dynamics of nanoparticles in hydrogels will provide scientific guidance for industrial and governmental regulatory bodies on nanoparticle release and toxicity.**