Simultaneous nanothermal analysis using heated microcantilevers

Kasper, Matthew

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/16213 Copy

Description

Title

Simultaneous nanothermal analysis using heated microcantilevers

Author(s)

Kasper, Matthew

Issue Date

2010-05-19T18:40:47Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

King, William P.

Department of Study

Mechanical Sci & Engineering

Discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Heated Microcantilever
• Nanothermal Analysis
• Calorimetry
• Thermogravimetry
• Microelectricalmechanical systems (MEMS)
• Desorption
• Mercury, Coal 3

Abstract

Many important material properties characteristics can be measured using thermal analysis techniques, but macro-systems aren’t ideal for all applications. Conventional systems require large samples, preventing size-dependent studies on thermodynamic properties of a material. Furthermore, some materials cannot be synthesized to the necessary volumes. With the recent advancements in the area of microsensors, nanothermal analysis has improved and gained research interest. This work presents recent thermal analysis applications performed with a heated microcantilever. Heated microcantilevers have low thermal mass, resulting in high heating rates with quick response times, and are relative isolated to major heat losses, making them well suited for nanothermal analysis. This work discusses the first reported implementation of a microsensor to perform calorimetry and thermogravimetry simultaneously. These techniques were used to investigate thermal dependencies for two studies. The first study discusses nano-thermogravimetry and calorimetry on a 250 pg coal sample. Heat flow and mass change of the sample was measured and used to determine the specific heat capacity. Thermal contact resistance between the heater and the sample was problematic, resulting in uncertainties, and limited the studies investigation into its size-dependent thermal properties. The second study discussed the thermal desorption of mercury from a thin gold film. It was founded that there are two distinct desorption regime that appear to correlate with the unbinding of mono- and multi-layers of mercury. Furthermore, the ambiguous regeneration temperature was found to be 200 °C, regardless of heating rates. This new sensing technique is another tool to help expand the field of nanothermal analysis.

Graduation Semester

2010-5

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/16213

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2010 Matthew Kasper

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