University of Connecticut | |
Faculty
Mark Aindow Dr. Aindow’s research involves the study of microstructural development in engineering materials using, primarily, electron microscopy techniques. He has led a comprehensive updating of the IMS Microscopy Laboratory facilities including the acquisition of a high-resolution field-emission gun scanning electron microscope and a digital automated high-resolution transmission electron microscope with imaging electron energy loss spectrometer and ultra-thin window energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. These facilities are being used in a wide range of IMS programs. The emphasis of Dr. Aindow’s current programs is on microstructural development in a wide range of engineering materials. These programs include: APPLICATION OF LASERS TO MATERIALS PROCESSING (with H.L. Marcus) – The objective of this program is to develop a fundamental understanding of the metallurgical phenomena that accompany the laser processing of materials for aerospace applications. We are working with a consortium of local educational establishments and companies, led by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technologies, to investigate such phenomena in processes including laser drillin g of cooling holes, laser welding and laser marking (Funded by NALI). “ENGINEERED NANO-COMPOSITE OXIDES FOR HIGH DURABILITY MISSILE DOMES” – (with E. Jordan, M. Gell and B. Cetegen) – This multi-investigator program led by Raytheon has the aim of developing new high strength oxide materials for infra-red window applications. The approach being used by the UConn team is to apply the solution precursor plasma spray process to form composite oxides with microstructures that cannot be formed readily using more conventional ceramic processing routes (Funded by DARPA.) “SELF-HEALING, HIGH-RELIABILITY ELECTRICAL CONTACTS FOR MILITARY APPLICATIONS” (with S.P. Alpay) – In this program we are developing alloys that form native oxides with inherently high electrical conductivity. This can be achieved extrinsically via acceptor/donor doping, intrinsically by developing mixed oxidation states that facilitiate polaron/electron hopping, by phase separation giving conductive veins within the oxide. The objective is to produce materials that will form more reliable and more economic electrical contact materials without the need for the environmentally damaging plating processes in use for current technologies (Funded by ARL). “THE EFFECTS OF IMPURITIES ON FUEL CELL PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY” (with T. Molter, S.L. Suib, X. Huang and U. Pasaogullari) – This large multi-institution program is studying the effect of various fuel-side impurities on the performance and lifecycle of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (Funded by DOE). In addition to these main programs, extensive collaborations are underway with other Faculty to exploit the potential of transmission electron microscopy in the characterization of nanoparticulate or nano-structured materials. These include studies of:
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