1. Fast Casters – Project Update April 27, 2006
Rene Chen
Byron Hsu
Kimberly Kam
Kelsey Vandermeulen
Lisa Witmer

2. Update In-depth SEM analysis Wettability tests More tests to come
New formulations

3. SEM Analysis
Polymer wetting problem?
Polymer deficiency?

4. SEM Analysis

5. Wetting – What is it?
Wetting refers to the contact between a fluid and a surface… If the surface is high energy, covering it with liquid will lower total system energy
*wikipedia

6. Contact Angle interfacial energy equilibrium between the three phases.
Young’s equation:

7. Wetting – Test Method 1: Hotplate

8. Wetting – Test Method 2: Furnace Heating

9. Next Steps – Chloroform Wetting
Furnace tests
Gave different data for different temperatures
Chloroform wetting
Try wetting tests in the presence of chloroform
Check contact angles through this method

10. Next Steps – Different Compositions
Higher polymer percent
Test if polymer deficiency is the problem
Try both chloroforming and heating samples
Mechanical tests
Higher TCP percent
See if improves mechanical tests
Sinter and check mechanical properties again

11. Project Timeline

12. Questions?