9412481 Golden This Americas Program award will support travel and related expenses for two US. scientists and four US. students for a collaborative research project between the Center for Materials Characterization (CMC) at the University of North Texas and the Instituto Tecnologico de Saltillo (ITS), Mexico. The group will study and correlate chemical analyses, structure, and corrosion resistance of films formed by electrode-less deposition. Preparation of samples, X-ray diffraction, and mechanical testing will be carried out at the ITS facilities in Saltillo, Mexico. Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron, transmission electron, and scanning tunneling microscopy will be done at CMC in Denton, Texas. This study is likely to lead to the development of better corrosion resistant coatings and improved understanding of the relationship of properties to performance. The project will also serve to provide an international experience to graduate students through the sharing of facilities and research environments in both countries. ***
