9451894 Poskozim The project will purchase a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (TA-2000 DSC 912 Dual Sample System) and build or assemble a non-commercial thermogravimetric unit. The two instruments will share computers. Both instruments will be rapidly phased into existing chemistry lab courses, significantly upgrading experiments and creating new ones. It is expected that knowledge gained in constructing the sophisticated thermal gravimetric instrument from available, rather inexpensive parts, will inspire others to build similar instruments, thereby expanding participation in the field. The project, begun in Spring of 1994, should be completed by the end of that year. Over their projected lifetimes, both instruments will be used directly by numerous students and faculty. Hands on experience and expertise gained by students should further their scientific careers. A goal of the project is to design new experiments related to thermal analysis for labs in advanced inorganic, physical chemistry, instrumental analysis, analytical, and even general chemistry. Another project goal is the compilation of a library of standard thermograms insofar as possible for distribution to the scientific community.
