This was a Chem441 Electronics student design project where all hardware and software were designed and implemented by students and the instrument is now an integral part of the Physical Chemistry laboratory curriculum. Using LabView, a discarded analytical balance, an old vertical drive system, stepper motors, and a simple microscope cover slide, results similar to commercials systems were easily achieved. Students studied surface tension, the critical micelle concentration for detergents, the differencing between advancing and receding contact angles, and the effect of surface treatment on wettability.
Heat Conduction Calorimeter
This was a Chem441 Electronics student design project where all hardware and software were designed and implemented by students and the instrument is now an integral part of the Physical Chemistry laboratory curriculum. A sensitive mW heat conduction calorimeter was designed
using a large thermostated aluminum blocks and employing thermo-electric module sensors. It features temperature control, stir-rate control and titration capabilities. Controlled by Labview interfaced to a multi-meter signal monitoring and an Arduino for stir control. Using LabView, the data is monitored in real time and features integration tools to measure heat changes.
Maker Projects for Teaching and Research
Multichannel Oscillating Reactor
Multichannel oscillating and temperature controlled reactxor for the evaluation of carbon-based biofuel catalysts
Microwave Reactor
Custom microwave reactor with power control, stirring and air cooling made using a domestic microwave oven
Automated Rotational Shaker
Labview automated rotational shaker for large scale adsorption studies
Electronic Sensor Circuits
We have designed a number of sensor circuits including those for temperature, conductivity, pH, pressure, humidity, strain among others.
Inexpensive Temperature Controlled Reactor
A temperature controlled jacketed reactor was constructed from locally available materails at minimal cost
Multiwavelength Colorimeter
Chem441 student project: Labview controlled 3 wavelength LED-based colorimeter system
Ultrasonic generator
Using a pond fogger, a sandwich baggie, a nitrogen stream and a PVC compartment, micron size particles of solution can be carbonized to form novel catalytic carbon materials.
Automated Chromatography System
An automated Rapid Small Scale Column Testing system was implemented. The testing of .....
