Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

This research proposal is for the purchase of a thermal analysis system. The requested instrument is used to measure changes in the mass of a sample upon heating. The system will be used for research in chemistry, physics, forensics and materials science. This instrument will mainly serve the research efforts of the Easton, Forbes and Gaspari research groups at UOIT.    Dr. Easton's research group will use this instrument to measure thermal properties of a novel class of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) based upon inorganic-organic hybrid materials. These materials are candidates for high temperature PEM fuel cells. Of specific interest is the thermal stability and water retention at temperature above 100 degrees Celsius.    Dr. Gaspari's research group will use this instrument to investigate the thermal properties of amorphous carbon and silicon. These materials have potential applications in the fields of medical physics and photovoltaics.    Dr. Forbes research group will use this instrument to characterize the thermal degradation of skeletal remains. This research will aid in the development of this methodology as a potential forensic science technique that can assist with the dating of skeletal remains.    Members of the research groups also include graduate and undergraduate students. This instrument will be used in the training these students in thermal analysis methods, materials science and analytical techniques. Results obtained with this instrument may lead to the development of better/more economical materials for fuel cells and solar cells, as well as the enhancement of forensic methods.