Richard F. Reidy - US grants

0102797
Reidy

This U.S.-Mexico award will support joint collaborative work between Prof. Richard Reidy of the University of North Texas and Prof. Oscar Mendoza Gonzalez of the Instituto Tecnologico de Saltillo together with colleagues at CINVESTAV-Queretaro, in the field of biomaterials. More specifically, the researchers will focus on the relationship between the structure and surface functionalities of silica xerogels and aerogels and the consequent growth mechanisms, compositions, and morphologies of hydroxyapatites grown on these substrates from simulated body fluids.

Using small-angle neutron scattering, gas adsorption, electron microscopy, and a range of instrumentation and expertise available at the collaborating institutions, the results of this research collaboration should prove useful in the development of inexpensive bioactive or resorbable bioceramic materials with many potential bioengineering applications.

This work focuses on understanding the fundamental effects of bonding, composition, and interconnectivity that establish the properties of new, low-density materials. By understanding these aspects at the nano-scale and how they relate to the macro-scale properties, we will be able to optimize the desirable characteristics as we develop new materials with even better characteristics. Of particular interest is a better understanding of the behavior of porous low-k films that may be used to develop interlayer dielectric (ILD) materials with properties commensurate with future semiconductor needs. Porosity must be introduced into ILD films to attain dielectric constants necessary for future integrated circuit devices. Increased porosity results in diminished mechanical properties because less material is available to strengthen the material. The characterization included in this work relates nano-scale properties to macro-scale behavior of porous silica xerogel films. These studies will enhance our understanding of the nano-structural arrangements and surface chemistries that can optimize film dielectric constants and mechanical properties.

The improved low-density materials will facilitate the development of faster, more reliable integrated circuits like those used in modern computers and cell phones. During the tenure of this program, one undergraduate, two graduate students, and a postdoctoral researcher will be provided a thorough background in semiconductor material characterization and thin film synthesis. In addition each will have the opportunity to work directly work with a semiconductor company on issues critical to future industry needs, through weekly meetings with our industrial partner, Texas Instruments. This cooperative venture will also serve to bridge the gap that often arises in transferring technology from the research arena to the commercial application.
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This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).

The objective of this Major Research Instrumentation (MRI-R2) award is to acquire a high resolution x-ray tomography apparatus. A parallel computing cluster with associated software is acquired as part of the system for fast three-dimensional structure re-generation to accommodate the use by multiple researchers. A cooling stage will provide a constant temperature environment. A loading stage will allow in-situ observation of a sample under load.

The instrument will be accessed by multiple users on projects that require the ability to use non-destructive techniques to determine the microstructures as well as their evolution under deformations. The instrument will be made available to all users at the university, and industry in the region as well as in the nation. The equipment will help enhance the training of graduate and undergraduate students, including a substantial number of under-represented minority and women students, and will also support student projects at nearby high schools.