Interfacial Processes and Thermodynamics

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The Interfacial Processes and Thermodynamics program supports fundamental research in engineering areas related to: * Interfacial phenomena * Mass transport phenomena * Solution phase equilibrium thermodynamicsCurrently, emphasis is placed on molecular engineering approaches at interfaces, especially as applied to the processing of soft materials. Molecules at interfaces with functional interfacial properties are of special interest. These interfacial molecules may have biomolecular functions at the micro and nanoscale. Interfacial materials are generally formed through molecular self-directed, -templated, and/or -assembly, and they are driven primarily by thermodynamic intermolecular forces. In some cases, these interfacial processes may also be supplemented by weak chemical reactions.Complex mathematical simulations of molecular systems are often used in molecular design of interfaces, if possible, in conjunction with experimental comparisons. New theories and complex simulation approaches are supported for determining the transport and thermodynamic properties of fluids and fluid mixtures in biological and other fluids with complex molecules in the bulk phase and at interfaces, in membranes, two-phase mixtures, and in a nanoenvironment. Many of the physical systems involve polymer and surfactant molecules, as well as special biomolecules.In terms of broader impacts, the program research has had a traditional focus on long-term relevance to engineering aspects of the chemical processing industry; however, newer impact areas are related to advanced materials, biomedical and biotechnology industries, energy and water processing, environmentally benign processing, and the microelectronics industries. Research is supported in the three fundamental areas that could lead to more economical and environmentally benign processing, improved water quality, and novel functional materials for sensors, both in industrial and biomedical settings.Projects are coordinated and jointly supported with other NSF programs, both inside and outside the CBET Division. The program participates strongly in all nano- and cyber-technology activities, encourages support of undergraduates, industry/university (GOALI) and international collaboration. Workshop, Individual, and Group Travel grants are supported to further the above research.Examples of research related to interfacial phenomena, mass transport, and phase equilibrium: * Directed molecular assembly of novel surfactant based films and composites, polymer microstructures at the interfaces * Basic interfacial processes (e.g. thin films and coatings, vesicles) * Antifouling and biocompatible surfaces * Transport in nanoporous and membrane systems * Adsorption in complex porous structures * Advanced materials processing at the interface (e.g., biomolecular interfaces) * Self-assembly and crystallization in nanoscale environment * Protein immobilization at interfaces for protein array sensors * Phase behavior of block and graft copolymers in nearcritical and supercritical solvents * Macro ions near confining surfaces: influence on colloidal forces * Templated molecular recognition materials: theory and simulation, as well as experimentation * Nanostructure control via surfactant mixing and polymerizationThe duration of unsolicited awards is generally one to three years. The average annual award size for the program is $80,000. Small equipment proposals up to $70,000 will also be considered and may be submitted during these windows. Any proposal received outside the announced dates will be returned without review.The duration of CAREER awards is five years. The submission deadline for Engineering CAREER proposals is in July every year. Please see the following URL for more information: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08051/nsf08051.jsp.Proposals for Conferences, Workshops, and Supplements may be submitted at any time, but must be discussed with the program director before submission.Grants for Rapid Response Research (RAPID) and EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) replace the SGER program. Please note that proposals of these types must be discussed with the program director before submission. Further details are available in the PAPPG download, available below. Please refer to the Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG), January 2009, (NSF 09-1) when you prepare your proposal.

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