Applied Science and Engineering
Advancing Materials Research and Engineering at Missouri State University
The Applied Science and Engineering unit within JVIC is committed to the development and support of advanced materials research. Areas of expertise include carbon based electronics, materials research and characterization, device fabrication, prototyping, and systems fabrication. Within these areas of interest, the Center for Applied Science and Engineering (CASE) provides engineering and technical support for high risk research and development, materials synthesis, and testing services. CASE works with industrial, government, and academic partners to identify opportunities and develop solutions for enhancing technologies, processes, and products.
Composites Manufacturing Research
The CASE team studies novel techniques for the production of materials made from carbon fibers and a binding polymer matrix. These materials are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio and are used in a variety of applications, including aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment. Both epoxy and phenolic resins can be used as the binding polymer matrix in carbon fiber composites. JVIC hosts a wide array of equipment and facilities for the research and development of these materials and their associated production methods.
Flexible Hybrid Electronics Development
In August 2022, NextFlex, a leading member of Manufacturing USA Innovation Institutes that focuses on semiconductors and flexible hybrid electronics, approved the Missouri Node at JVIC. This approval allows JVIC to increase the volume, pace, and coordination of the development of flexible hybrid electronics and other semiconductor technologies. The Node aims to foster collaboration with and among private businesses by providing investments in infrastructure for the rapid design, development, and manufacturing adoption.
Microscopy
Microscopy can be used to study the structure, composition, and behavior of various materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Our lab houses equipment for various imaging techniques including SEM, FESEM/STEM, AFM, laser scanning confocal, optical, and high-precision 3D measurement. We also maintain a full suite of imaging systems for life sciences including fluorescence and calcium ion microscopes.
Materials Deposition
This is the process of creating thin films of materials on a substrate, such as a silicon wafer, by using physical or chemical methods. Materials deposition can be used to modify the properties of the substrate, such as electrical conductivity, optical reflectivity, or corrosion resistance. Capabilities include sputter coating, ultrasonic spray coating, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD).
Microlithography
Microlithography is the process of creating microscopic patterns on a thin film of protective material over a substrate, such as a silicon wafer, in order to protect selected areas of it during subsequent etching, deposition, or implantation operations. Microlithography is widely used in the fabrication of integrated circuits and microelectromechanical systems.
Characterization
Characterization includes several processes that have to with ascertaining the structure and properties of various materials. In fact, the microscopy techniques listed above are characterization methods themselves. Other methods include spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction, both of which can also be done in our labs in various ways.
Nanotechnology Initiative
We are creating tools that promote the safe, rapid transition and commercialization of advanced nanomaterials and nanomaterials-based technologies.
Capabilities and Equipment
JVIC maintains a highly enabling array of instruments and equipment allowing teams to conduct advanced research activities in a multitude of disciplines.