Description :  

This plan for the enhancement of the Inorganic and Materials Laboratory instructions in the chemistry and physics departments at Louisiana Tech University targets undergraduate courses and overall research capabilities.  The plan will significantly enhance the chemistry and physics curricula in the areas of analytical, inorganic, physical chemistry, solid state, and materials science.  The undergraduates of the chemical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering departments will aslo greatly benefit from the enhancements.  The enhancements will start with the acquisition of a magnetometer to be used for magnetic susceptibility measurements.  The plans also calls for a thermal gravimetric analyzer to aid in the study of thermal weight-loss of materials.  Tube and muffle furnaces will be acquired and used for material analysis.  The acquisition of a temperature control system will also enhance the chemical and nanoparticle sythesis capabilities.

This enhancement project will positively impact undergraduates and overall research capabilities by providing hands on experience using the proposed instrumentation.  Students will be better prepared to undertake applied research projects.  In addition, the project will increase external funding from federal agencies and corporations, as well as, help faculty to establish new realtionships with area industries.  The enhancement of the Inorganic and Materials Science Laboratories will aslo aid in the recruitment of new students and faculty to help progress the university to a new level.

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Principal Investigator:  Siriwardane, Upali  --  Chemistry

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Collaborators:  Tabbetha A. Dobbins, Haifeng Ji, William C. Deese

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Funding Agencies:  Board of Regents

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Amount Awarded:  $53,952

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Start Period:  06/01/2005

End Period:  06/30/2006