The innovation engine for new materials

Martha Bauer

Martha Bauer

School: 

Lompoc High school

Grade Level: 

High School

Teaching Position: 

Biology

Supervisor: 

David Pine

Department: 

Chemical Engineering

Mentor: 

Vinny Manoharan

Research Project Year: 

2001

Research Project Title: 

Preparation of ceramic spheres of Titanium dioxide

Research Project Description: 

My research project was involved with the preparation of ceramic spheres of Titanium dioxide. The goal was to make uniform hollow spheres of TiO2. The purpose of this research was to try to make uniform spheres that could be used in the preparation of paints, paper, and other materials that use white pigment. Titanium is used to make white pigments, and can be one of the most expensive parts. If the titanium dioxide used in the preparation of white pigments can be made from hollow spheres rather than solid sphere the cost could be brought down. We used sol-gel chemistry techniques to make emulsions of formamide with oil droplets of decalene and titanium buxtoxide. These emulsions needed to be prepared in a nitrogen environment to exclude H2O. This was done in a glove bag. We experimented with different concentrations of titanium in the oil, and using a chelating agent.

Curriculum Project Year: 

2002

Curriculum Project Title: 

Improving Observational Skills

Curriculum Project Attachments: 

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