Self-diffusion in supercooled liquids and glasses

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Abstract

In this award, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. Mark Ediger of the University of Wisconsin and his graduate research students will continue their work studying self-diffusion rates in low molecular weight glass-forming materials. This will be achieved through a combination of experimental techniques, including neutron reflectivity and thermally-programmed desorption measurements. Much is still unknown about the glassy state of matter, and Prof. Ediger and his colleagues will carry out experiments that should help differentiate among a number of theoretical models. The glassy state of matter has a number of useful technological applications: from the fabrication of better glass materials to the development of improved formulations for pharmaceuticals. Besides the broader technological impacts of the research being supported, Prof. Ediger and his student colleagues will continue their involvement in the University of Wisconsin's PEOPLE Program, providing educational enrichment in the summer for high school sophomores from groups under-represented in the sciences.