Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory Newsblog

Logbook System Changes

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IT has rewritten the logbook system software. There are some great new features that we will appreciate. It isn’t ready for installation – on some systems we are going to have to upgrade the thin clients (little computer boxes) to use a newer web browser. We’ll do initial testing on the FIB since it gets less use. These instruments will be upgraded

FESEM
SEM
TEM
FIB
ESEM
Confocal (has newer client – may not need upgrading)
STEM (has newer client – may not need upgrading)

I’ll let you now when we are testing on the FIB.

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New EOF Lab Assistant Elizabeth (Fraki) Miller

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Elizabeth (Fraki) Miller
Elizabeth (Fraki) Miller

My name is Elizabeth (Fraki) Miller. I have a bachelor’s degree in Forest Science from Michigan Tech. I am highly involved with several local groups including Ski Tigers, Singletrack Flyers, the SöKē Trails, and the Keweenaw Homeschoolers. I am interested in Nutritional Biochemistry and plan to pursue a Master’s Degree in Chemistry. I enjoy mountain biking, weight lifting, yoga, and cross country skiing.

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Sample Prep Computer Log

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We have removed all of the paper logs from Sample Prep Room 637.

You will now need to record instrument and liquid nitrogen use in the Computer on the table when you come in. There are instructions on how to use the computer log next to the keyboard.

The following needs the use to be logged:

    • Liquid Nitrogen
    • Ion Mill
    • Cressington Coater
    • Electropolisher
    • Etcher
    • Carbon Coater

All Instruments (except Liquid Nitrogen), must be both Logged In AND Logged Out. Forgetting to logout of the instrument can cause issues with the program.

If you have any questions or come across issues with the logging program, feel free to let us know.

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Graphite exfoliation by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction

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Wattanaprayoon Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
A schematic of graphite exfoliation by supercritical carbon dioxide.

Extract

Supercritical carbon dioxide is used to exfoliate graphite, producing a small, several-layer graphitic flake. The supercritical conditions of 2000, 2500, and 3000 psi and temperatures of 40°, 50°, and 60°C, have been used to study the effect of critical density on the sizes and zeta potentials of the treated flakes. Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurement, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to observe the features of the flakes.

Wattanaprayoon, Chaiyaporn, “Graphite exfoliation by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction”, Master’s Thesis, Michigan Technological University, 2011.

https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/etds/8

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Sample Prep Computer Log System

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We will be making the final switch to using the Computer Log System in the Sample Prep Room 637 by this Friday (Feb 22nd 2019).

We will be removing all of the paper logs and you will need to record instrument and liquid nitrogen use in the Computer on the table when you come in.

There will be reminder signs placed on the instruments and instructions on how to use the computer log next to the keyboard.

If you have any questions, feel free to let us know.

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FESEM update

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I installed the new pump this morning and the system pumped down as expected. Around lunchtime it will achieve adequate vacuum level to be used. I will check it at noon and send you another message to say all clear to use it.

Unfortunately, the problem I have been working on this week, a bad vacuum pump, is not the problem that causes the vacuum panel to shut down intermittently. There is a chance that the panel will shut down again. I am still working with the manufacturer engineer to solve that problem.

Look for my message during the lunch hour today.

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