This award provides for purchase of a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The instrument permits both quantitative and qualitative analysis of physical or reactive properties of materials as functions of temperature and time. It will be used to provide information to characterize polymers, organic and inorganic chemicals, metals, glass, and ceramics. The instrument will be used in eight separate ongoing projects: (1) Thermal analysis of microemulsions and other surfactant systems, (2) Characterization of novel polymeric materials obtained from microemulsions, (3) thermal analysis of mineral reinforced polymer composites, (4) studies of the structure and critical behavior of macromolecular systems, (5) fundamental studies of colloidal processing of superconductors, (6) correlation of structure with physical properties for amorphous alloys, (7) colloidal engineering for improved ceramic processing, and (8) interfacial modification for quality enhancement in dispersive mixing. ____________________________ ____________ Program Director's Signature Date//
