Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
University of Alberta
$119,066.00
Ultracut ultramicrotome
EF 2008-09
Résumé
An ultra microtome is a mechanical instrument used to cut specimens into very thin slices for microscopic examination. Integrated with a cryo-attachment, an ultra microtome can be operated well below freezing temperatures, allowing samples to be sectioned without changing or damaging their native structures. This ability is particularly useful for hydrous samples. The ability to produce smooth surfaces under controlled cryo-environments by an ultra microtome is of particular relevance to research in processing of minerals and fossil fuels as well as biomedical engineering, aiming at fundamental understanding and key technology development.
The cryo ultra microtome requested here will be used by graduate students and researchers to investigate anisotropic molecular interactions of clay minerals, the natural structure of oil sands, and bone stimulation of bone formation and deposition of new bones. Although extremely important, studying anisotropic molecular interactions of clay minerals and their role in mineral and materials processing remains a major challenge. Limitations are due to difficulties in preparing smooth surfaces suitable for scanning probe microscope applications. Recent advances in cryo ultra-microtomes have made preparation of a near-molecular smooth surface feasible. The award of this request for an ultra-microtome, coupled with our existing single molecular force spectroscopy, will enable us to conduct pioneering research in studying anisotropic molecular interactions of clay minerals with chemical additives used in chemical and mineral processing. It will also allow us to study stimulation of bone formation in biomedical engineering and reveal unresolved mystery of connate water films around solid particles in oil sands. The success of the projects outlined in this proposal will have a significant socioeconomical impact on Canadian mining and energy industry at a time of increasing global demand, and place us among the world's best facilities in colloidal and interfacial sciences.
Programme
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Bénéficiaire
Emplacement
Alberta, Canada
Type de bénéficiaire
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
Tel que publié
Application id
374575-2009
Name nom
Xu, Zhenghe
Department département
Chemical and Materials Engineering
Organization id
9
Institution établissement
University of Alberta
Province en
Alberta
Province fr
Alberta
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2008
Competition year année de concours
2009
Award amount
119066
Program id
EQPEQ
Program nane en
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Program name fr
Outils et instruments de recherche - catégorie 1 (<150 000$)
Group en
Discovery grants programs
Group fr
Programmes de subventions à la découverte
Committee code
4
Committee name en
Chem. & Metallurgical Eng.
Committee name fr
Génies chimique et métal.
Area of application code
300
Area of application group en
Energy resources
Area of application group fr
Ressources d'énergie
Area of application en
Energy resources (including production, exploration, processing, distribution and use)
Area of application fr
Ressources d'énergie (production, exploration, traitement, distribution et utilisation de l'énergie)
Research subject code
1402
Research subject group en
Mining and mineral processing
Research subject group fr
Génie minier et minéral
Research subject en
Mineral processing
Research subject fr
Traitement des minéraux
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Ultracut ultramicrotome
Keyword
NA
Application summary
An ultra microtome is a mechanical instrument used to cut specimens into very thin slices for microscopic examination. Integrated with a cryo-attachment, an ultra microtome can be operated well below freezing temperatures, allowing samples to be sectioned without changing or damaging their native structures. This ability is particularly useful for hydrous samples. The ability to produce smooth surfaces under controlled cryo-environments by an ultra microtome is of particular relevance to research in processing of minerals and fossil fuels as well as biomedical engineering, aiming at fundamental understanding and key technology development.
The cryo ultra microtome requested here will be used by graduate students and researchers to investigate anisotropic molecular interactions of clay minerals, the natural structure of oil sands, and bone stimulation of bone formation and deposition of new bones. Although extremely important, studying anisotropic molecular interactions of clay minerals and their role in mineral and materials processing remains a major challenge. Limitations are due to difficulties in preparing smooth surfaces suitable for scanning probe microscope applications. Recent advances in cryo ultra-microtomes have made preparation of a near-molecular smooth surface feasible. The award of this request for an ultra-microtome, coupled with our existing single molecular force spectroscopy, will enable us to conduct pioneering research in studying anisotropic molecular interactions of clay minerals with chemical additives used in chemical and mineral processing. It will also allow us to study stimulation of bone formation in biomedical engineering and reveal unresolved mystery of connate water films around solid particles in oil sands. The success of the projects outlined in this proposal will have a significant socioeconomical impact on Canadian mining and energy industry at a time of increasing global demand, and place us among the world's best facilities in colloidal and interfacial sciences.
