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An Internship Opportunity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Polymer Blends

An Internship Opportunity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Polymer Blends Peggy Cebe, Tufts University, DMR 0906455.

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An Internship Opportunity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Polymer Blends

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  1. An Internship Opportunity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Polymer BlendsPeggy Cebe, Tufts University, DMR 0906455 Background – We are making polymer blends for use in the energy sector, as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) in hydrogen fuel cells, or as ionic conductors in high energy density capacitors and batteries. Our goal is to lessen our Nation’s dependence on coal and oil resources, by providing alternatives with attractive properties. For example, hydrogen-based fuel cells produce only environmentally friendly by-products (water). Our goal is to make thin and lightweight water-free membranes, that conduct protons (or ions) and have good mechanical properties. Objective – Films were made using poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, and poly(N-vinyl imidazole), PVIm, doped with a strong acid, trifluoromethanesulfon-imide. Interns used mechanical measurements (see Figure) to study the properties as a function of the ratio of PVDF to PVIm. The major relaxation process of PVDF is reduced with addition of PVIm. Figure- Mechanical properties vs. temperature, for blends of PVDF with PVIm, at the compositions indicated. Data from: Huang, W. et al. Materials Research Society Proceedings, v. 1384 (2011), DOI: 10.1557/opl.2012.522 This research is done in collaboration with Prof. Tom Smith, Chemistry Dept., Rochester Institute of Technology. Prof. Smith synthesized the PVIm materials used in our study.

  2. An Internship Opportunity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Polymer Blends Peggy Cebe, Tufts University, DMR 0906455 Broader Impacts: PAESMEM Awarded to Prof. Cebe a b In recognition of the importance of providing research opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students, Prof. Cebe was named winner of an individual Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. (a) President Obama met with 2010 PAESMEM winners; (b) Prof. Cebe is shown with Dr. Subra Suresh (l), Director of the National Science Foundation, and Dr. John Holdren (r), Science Adviser to the President. The PAESMEM will provide support for two DHH undergraduates to perform research at Tufts, and conduct outreach activities to middle and high school students who are deaf. Picture credits: (a) Official White House Photographer, Peter Souza; (b) National Science Foundation.

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