User:Douglas M. Fox/Notebook/AU CHEM-571 F2011 Lab Support/2011/08/31

Project 1: Zein Film Properties

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Today's Objectives Determine melting properties of zein film using DSC Identify gold in zein film using XRD Measure film tensile strength using DMA Materials Zein film containing Au Nanoparticles, prepared at 37C Film was prepared by Daniel Catt on August 8, 2011 Film formed in a plastic petri dish & cut for analysis Data Analysis Thermal Properties of Zein Film DSC sample prep & thermal program TA Instruments Q-1000 with RCS cooling unit 2.95 mg in TZero Aluminum pans Equilibrate 35C; Ramp 10C/min to 225C; Ramp 10C/min to 35C; Repeat twice Notes Note the thermal decomposition above 200°C First broad peak very likely solvent melting point at 133°C slow crystallization (small peak), though decomp may affect it as well Crystalline Properties of Zein Film Instrumentation Details Rigaku Miniflex II with monochrometer thin film placed on flat low background sample holder 5° to 90° at 1°/min Notes no evidence of gold nanoparticles in film (Au peaks at 37°, 45°, 65°, 78° & 81°) broad peaks are characteristic of zein protein [Au] may simply be below the limit of detection Viscoelastic Properties of Zein Film Notes film was wet, flimsy, & cracked different clamp would be needed to test experiment postponed to a later date