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Materials
Three research centers focus on improving methods and products in the area of materials development.
Scientists from the Center for Advanced Cement-Based Materials work with industry on technologies to
improve concrete durability and to develop novel nondestructive evaluation techniques for field use.
Examples include working with ARCO Chemical Company on a commercial anti-shrinking agent for
concrete and with Concrete Technology Corporation on high-performance concrete. Researchers are also
working on the more effective use of concrete in nuclear energy and hazardous waste applications.
Researchers at the Center for High Performance Polymeric Adhesives and Composites have joint projects
with several companies in a variety of material development programs. For instance, in collaboration
with McDonnell-Douglas, center scientists will supply the "Affordable Polymeric Composites" program
with expertise in fire-resistant materials, powder processing, computer-based performance simulation,
and life prediction models. Studies are also underway with Boeing to develop accelerated test methods to
project the performance of possible materials for parts over the
planned 60,000-hour service life of
high-speed civil aircraft.
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| Silicon carbide coated carbon fibers in a
polymer matrix - Center for High Performance Polymeric Adhesives and
Composites |
The Center for High Pressure Research works with several companies, analyzing and producing
materials at high pressures. For instance, researchers from the Grumman Corporation are working with
the center to construct a synchrotron infrared beam instrument for studying solid hydrogen and other
materials at high pressures. The center also studies new ways that industry can use high-pressure
technology to produce exotic materials, such as industrial-grade diamonds.
Optics and Imaging
Advances in imaging research occur through the STCs. The Center for Photoinduced Charge Transfer
studies charge transfer, the process central to modern photography and xerography. In collaboration with
scientists at the University of Rochester and Xerox, researchers have developed a new photoresponsive
polymer with potential applications for electronic printers and copiers. Another collaboration with Xerox
has yielded an affordable scanning tunneling microscope for classroom use. Furthermore, a project with
Kodak on quantum size-restricted silver halide has influenced the direction of emulsion technology
research.
The Center for Ultrafast Optical Science (CUOS) has developed and applied laser-produced ultrafast
pulses for use in critical fields such as high-speed communications, electronics, and medicine. Recently,
CUOS transferred technologies to more than eight companies interested in electro-optical and laser
devices for scientific instruments. Five new products originating from the center have been
commercialized and are being marketed by established optics companies. CUOS is also collaborating
with the Center for Superconductivity and the NSF's Engineering Research Center for Compound
Semiconductor Microelectronics on a project to evaluate high-frequency properties of high-temperature
superconductors, which are needed for device design. CUOS has also contributed to the electronics
industry's recognition of fast optics as one of the best ways to test high-speed circuits.
Research Collaboration in Leading-Edge Technologies
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