RUI: Acquisition of X-Ray Powder Diffraction Instrumentation with Heating Stage to Support Solution Calorimetric Research and Undergraduate Research on Mineral Thermal Expansion

Lafayette College, Easton PA

Investigators

Abstract

1028953 Hovis This grant supports acquisition of a power x-ray diffractometer with temperature controlled sample cell to permit kinetic studies of phase changes and crystallographic structure characterization of important rock forming minerals at Lafayette College. The XRD would complement the PIs calorimetric investigations of the thermodynamic behavior of solid solutions of silicates including mics, feldspars and feldspathoids and zeolites. Experimental thermodynamic data informs models of behavior of phases in the deep crust and XRD studies will elucidate the crystallographic and crystal-chemical principles that govern thermal expansion of Earth important mineral solid solutions. The PI at this undergraduate institution actively engages students in experiential learning with state-of-the-art techniques in crystallography and thermodynamics and their application to scientific research problems. ***