Micromeritics’ Instrument Grant Committee has recently selected its latest grant recipient. A 3Flex Surface Characterization Analyzer has been awarded to the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of MIT.
Dr. Roland Pellenq, Senior Research Scientist, states the department “aims at determining the poro-mechanical and transport properties of the most important technological, economical and environmental materials in the world: cement and concrete; source rocks for oil and gas; oxide, glasses and clays for nuclear energy and nuclear waste storage.” To this end they are utilizing a method they refer to as the “nanoscope” as a way to scrutinize and manipulate materials in such a broad range of magnifications. Therefore, the pore structure characterization e.g. porosity assessment, pore size distribution, specific surface etc., is the key factor in their approach and is the reason for they applied for the Micromeritics gift award.
Dr. Pellenq is one of the co-founders and lead scientist of the Concrete Sustainability Hub, CSH@MIT, opened October 2009, an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to the reduction of the environmental footprint of the cement and concrete industry. R. Pellenq was hired as a MIT Senior Research Scientist in November 2010 and is the Director of the CNRS-MIT joint laboratory "Multiscale Material Science of Energy and Environment".
According to Preston Hendrix, Micromeritics’ president, “This program is designed to promote and advance the acquisition and use of particle characterization instrumentation in non-profit universities and institutions where other means of funding are not generally available. We are very proud and excited to present this award in an ongoing grant program to support important research.” Mr. Hendrix has appointed a special Grant Selection Committee to ensure the success and effectiveness of this program.
Micromeritics’ Instrument Grant Program is intended to provide particle characterization instruments to non-profit universities and research organizations for the purpose of fostering and supporting meritorious research projects. A maximum of one instrument/integrated system will be awarded per calendar quarter.
Applications may be submitted at any time in accordance with the application instructions and will remain active for a period of one year from the date of submission. Visit Grant Program (see link below) for a detailed grant description, application requirements, and application.
Micromeritics Grant Program Link
http://www.micromeritics.com/Pressroom/Particle-Characterization-Instruments-Grants.aspx