Sigma Xi 2017 Student Research Showcase
Chemistry
Calcium Phosphate Coating Formation On Polyetheretherketone Material
Aida Wen, American Heritage High School
The surface properties of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) can be improved for achieving better bone integration in orthopedic and spine applications. This study investigated the feasibility of coating PEEK material biomimetically with calcium phosphate and the effects of phosphoric acid pretreatment (PAP) on coating adhesion.
Characterizing Effect of Glutamine Position on Aβ Fiber Structure
Andrea Augustine, Eagle's Landing High School
I studied glutamine's positional effect on Aβ Dutch mutant assembly. A 20-year difference in Alzheimer's onset is seen in those with the Dutch mutant, with the only variation between it and wild-type Aβ being a single amino acid substitution of glutamine.
User-Friendly Stretchable Antenna: Tuning by Color Change
John Deng, Duke University
Spiropyran, a force-responsive molecule, is used to create a visual signal of the word “STOP” for a stretchable antenna before it breaks. This color change can be used for visually tuning the device to the right frequency.
The present research was conducted to determine a molecular explanation for the function of hydrogen sensors, both through analysis of the dissociation of hydrogen on NiPd clusters, to optimize the efficiency of hydrogen sensors and stimulate the hydrogen automobile industry.
Increased Rate of Electroplating in an Electrolytic Cell Due to Raised Electric Cell Potential
Vivek Uppoor, Richard Montgomery High School
This experiment investigates the redox properties of electroplating through the comparison of voltage with current.
Growth of Monolayer Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) through Chemical Vapor Deposition on Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) Substrates
Zachary To, University of California-Riverside
Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), have been gaining popularity due to their direct bandgap semiconducting properties at the monolayer limit. The research goal is to find and optimize a facile method to grow consistent MoS2 using a chemical vapor deposition tube furnace.