Particle Engineering Research Center
[an NSF Graduated Center]
The ultimate mission of PERC is to serve mankind with the advancement of particle science and technology through applications that will improve and enhance sustainable societal well-being, including economic health, quality of life, and the environment. The overall purpose of PERC is three fold: (i) to create underlying scientific knowledge and to invent and demonstrate the technological feasibility of innovative methodologies and systems governing particulate processes, devices, and systems; (ii) to facilitate the transfer of research discoveries, theories, and inventions between PERC and industry; and (iii) to develop and implement an interdisciplinary education program that will produce well-prepared scientists and engineers to serve and lead future scientific and technological advances.
PERC's vision is to,
"Innovate and transform particle science and technology advances into useful applications for sustained societal well-being."
This vision inspires and drives PERC's activities in education, research, and technology transfer. PERC devotes its efforts and resources to:
Conduct innovative fundamental science and practical problem oriented interdisciplinary research.
Conduct translational research and prototyping of promising technologies to enhance their potential in the market place, or overcome sustainability challenges.
Educate students and young professionals to be globally competitive and responsible leaders, instilling in them critical thinking skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and environmental stewardship.
Throughout its history the Particle Engineering Research Center (PERC) has been a role model for innovation and excellence in research, education, industrial collaborations and interdisciplinary efforts. PERC aspires to maintain this leadership by expanding our efforts in these areas and enhancing the Center's activities in translational research and technology transfer. Towards this end, PERC has recently completed a self-assessment and developed a re-structuring plan to continue successful programs, stimulate new pioneering initiatives, and develop an expanded resource base to carry out its mission – "to better serve society through education, innovation and advancement of particle science and technology."
PERC was launched in 1994 as an 11 year Engineering Research Center funded by the National Science Foundation. From its inception PERC has served as a unique catalyst for synergistic interdisciplinary collaborations that have led to over $50M invested in cutting edge research, the education of more than 800 students, fruitful collaborations with over 100 companies, and the successful transfer of more than 10 particle based technologies. Through these efforts, PERC has garnered international recognition as a world leader in particle science & technology. PERC has recruited a talented and dedicated cadre of young professional research staff, since its graduation from NSF funding in 2005.
With fifteen years of experience in the research, development and facilitating commercialization of particulate based systems, PERC has become a leader in the field of particle science and technology and it is now looking forward to an exciting future. PERC has created a strategic plan that capitalizes on its strengths, addresses its weaknesses, and allows the Center to grow while pursuing its mission to "Innovate and transform particle science and technology advances into useful applications for sustained societal well-being."
The Center's overall objective is to conduct innovative fundamental science and practical problem oriented interdisciplinary research. PERC is also strongly motivated to steer promising innovations to translational research and prototype development to enhance their potential in the market place and eventually impact in economic development process.
Beginning from NSF years (1994-2005), the Center's research has grown/matured/expanded from online analytical systems, concentrated particulate dispersions, transport and handling, and treatment of particulate effluents to five Thrust areas (2005-2008) namely, particle characterization, separations, engineered particulates, cohesive powder flow, and nano-bio systems. The primary research themes at PERC are "Particles" in Industry, Medicine and Environment. One of the distinguishing features of PERC has been in bringing together researchers from different disciplines to seek solutions to complex scientific challenges. PERC has established collaborations between various Departments such as Medicine (Pulmonary, Anesthesiology, Surgery, Physiology and Molecular Biology) Brain Institute, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental health and toxicology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Food and Agricultural Sciences and Business. In addition PERC has established vibrant network with National (UCF, ASU, Columbia, Pacific Northwest and Sandia National Laboratories) and International (Australia, Japan, Britain, India) partners with a common interest in research and development of particle science and technology.
Since its inception, PERC has maintained a strong and fruitful collaboration with industry. A fresh impetus to this goal has been achieved by the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) award– a joint effort between PERC and Columbia University. PERC intends to continue enhancing the Center's extensive collaboration with industry in projects of a diverse nature to solve pressing issues that industries face when dealing with particles.
A paradigm development in PERC's research initiative is the establishment of the Center for Nano-Bio Sensors (CNBS) at the University of Florida. CNBS synergistically integrates the strengths of the participating UF colleges, Santa Fe College and Sandia National Laboratories to develop and commercialize advanced and innovative biocompatible technologies in nano-medical diagnostics and therapies. Towards this goal, PERC is initiating "Translational and Prototyping" program, aimed at providing a comprehensive platform to better promote, facilitate and accelerate the bench-to-market development of innovative technologies for societal benefit.
Particles in Industry
Since its inception, PERC has maintained a strong and fruitful collaboration with industry through its Industrial Advisory Board (IAB). The newly awarded NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) – a joint effort between PERC and Columbia University will be leveraged as additional funding for the 'Particles in Industry' cluster. The focus of this program on particulates and surfactant systems dovetails nicely with PERC's current research efforts and plans for future directions. PERC intends to continue enhancing the Center's extensive collaboration with industry in projects of a diverse nature to solve pressing issues that industries face when dealing with particles - everything from laboratory scale synthesis to issues of handling and manufacturing of high-end pharmaceuticals. The PERC IAB will be actively engaged in the research efforts by directly funding and guiding most of the research in this cluster. Membership in the PERC I/UCRC Industrial Advisory Board will give industry partners priority access to PERC researchers and to expertise across UF to solve some of their major technical problems.
Particles in Medicine
Particles in Medicine will be an extension of the Center's current focus on nano-bio medical applications of particles through PERC and CNBS programs. The potential benefits of using particles in bio-imaging, diagnosis, treatment and therapy of numerous diseases are promising and still to be explored. PERC's extensive history of close and successful collaborations with faculty and researchers within the College of Engineering and the Colleges of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences are clear examples of the advantages of interdisciplinary teams focused on these high impact topics.
Particles in the Environment
Increased societal and governmental emphasis on sustainable ecosystems and the need for a better understanding of the implications of nanotechnology in the environment has presented a golden opportunity for the PERC team. The Center leadership has brought together experts in different fields such as toxicology, agriculture, mathematics, and zoology to address the issue of nanoparticle effects on human health and the environment. Seeded several years ago by the UF Vice President for Research, the UF Nanotoxicology program now boasts several large federally funded grants and a growing national and international recognition. Understanding the environmental risks of nanomaterials (NMs) mandates an integration of knowledge and approaches from many different disciplines—from the physical transport and fate of materials in the environment, to the mechanistic interaction of NMs with cells, tissues, whole organisms and the environment. PERC plans to play an important and enabling role in this field in the coming years by providing expertise and tools needed to better understand the impact of particles in different eco and biological systems.
Particles in Emerging Areas
As in many other fields, the potential benefits of using nanoparticles in applications such as renewable and alternative energies, water quality and recovery, bio systems, and sustainability need to be thoroughly explored. The PERC research program on Particles in Emerging Areas will assemble the diverse expertise needed to properly identify and address some of the highest impact challenges of particles in these important fields.
The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering's Research Service Centers (RSC) support and enhance the research, education, and public service missions of the University of Florida by providing access to characterization and process instrumentation. Expert staff provides the assistance and guidance necessary so that students, faculty, and industry get the most effective and appropriate use of the center's facilities.
The RSCs are comprised of the following sub-centers (click a sub-center for details):
Major Analytical Instrumentation Center (MAIC)
The Major Analytical Instrumentation Center is a materials characterization and analysis facility established to provide analytical support for Florida’s scientific and engineering community in meeting the challenge of technology department. MAIC is a use oriented facility that provides service to the University of Florida, the state university system (SUS), and the industrial and commercial community.
Electron Microscopy/Microanalysis
Cameca SX Five FE EPMA
FIB - FEI Helios G4 PFIB CXe dual beam FIB/SEM
SEM - FEI Nova 430 w/EDS & CL
SEM - Hitachi S-3000
SEM - Tescan MIRA3
TEM - FEI Talos F200i S/TEM
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Metrology
Bruker Optical Profilometer
Ellipsometer, J.A. Woolam
Horiba microRaman
Profilometer, Tencor AS500
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Spectroscopy
Horiba microRaman
SEM - FEI Nova 430 w/EDS & CL
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Surface Analysis/Characterization
Bruker Optical Profilometer
Ellipsometer, J.A. Woolam
Perkin-Elmer PHI 660 - AES
SPM/AFM Dimension 3100
XPS - ULVAC-PHI XPS
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X-Ray Analysis/Characterization
JCPDS Computer
Nano-CT - GE v|tome|x m 240
Nano-CT Image Processing/Reconstruction System
Panalytical XPert MRD
Panalytical XPert Powder
XRay Software Remote Workstation
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Other (No Associated Keywords)
Coater - Carbon
Coater - Hummer V Au-Pd
Coater - SPI Au-Pd
Nuclear Fuels & Materials Characterization Facility (NFMCF)
The Nuclear Fuels and Materials Characterization Facility (NFMCF) is a facility dedicated to radiological work that offers access to anyone interested in conducting microstructural characterization of irradiated materials and fuels. NFMCF is part of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering’s Research Service Centers (RSC) and is committed to enhancing research, education, and public service missions of the University of Florida (UF).
Users have the option of either performing the sample preparation and analysis themselves (upon instruction from UF staff and demonstration of instrument proficiency) or having the work performed as a service by our trained staff (with or without the user, depending on preference).
EQUIPMENT
FEI Helios Nanolab 600 dual beam focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM), equipped with:
- EDAX Velocity electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) and Octane Elite energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) detectors.
- Hysitron PI88 SEM PicoIndenter with heating option (up to 800C) and extended range transducer (>500 mN).
FEI Tecnai F20 scanning transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) equipped with:
- Gatan UltraScan 1000P camera and EDAX r-TEM super ultra-thin window Si(Li) EDS system.
RADIOLOGICAL LIMITS
NFMC can accept specimens with dose rates up to 300 mR/hr at contact and operates under a state of Florida license, which allows 500 mCi of each isotope between atomic numbers 3 and 83 and 10 mCi of each isotope above atomic number 83, with the total limit not to exceed 200 mCi.
The removable contamination limits are 100 dpm/100 cm2 for beta/gamma and 50 dpm/100 cm2 for alpha. Specimen that have removable contamination above specified limits will not be released or received at UF. Solid, liquid, and powder specimens can be handled.
Nanoscale Research Facility (NRF)
The Nanoscale Research Facility service center was created to provide a state-of-the-art facility for: university research in micro/nano device fabrication, teaching laboratories associated with micro/nano fabrication, and a collaborative, open environment. The NRF currently houses a 7,000+ sq. ft. clean room class 100-1000 with over 60 fabrication and inspection related tools with a purchase cost of over $8M. The facility and its resources are available to the entire university community and provide an excellent foundation for current research and grant proposals.
3D Printing
Objet 3D Printer
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Dicing/Bonding
Dicing Saws- ADT
K&S 4124 Ball Bonder, Gold Ball
K&S 4700 Wedge Bonder (Staff Run)
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Film Deposition
ALD - Cambridge Nano Fiji 200
E-beam evaporator, PVD
PECVD - STS 310PC SiO2 - SiN - Amorphous Si
PECVD - Unaxis 790 PECVD
SCS Parylene Coater
Sputter Deposition, KJL CMS-18 Multi-Source
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Hot Processing
Furnace Tube, Thermcraft, General Hot Process
Furnace Tube, Tystar #1 Wet and dry Ox
RTA, SSI Solaris 150
RTA, Steag 100CS RTP
Wafer Bonder, EVG 501
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Metrology
4 Point Probe Station
Electronic Measurement, Lakeshore 7507
Flexus 2320
Nikon LV100 Microscope
Photospectrometer, Filmetrics F40
Profilometer, Dektak 150
SEM - JEOL 5700
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Photolithography
Heidelberg Laser Writer
Litho Process EVG Model 620 w/BSA
Litho Process Headway E-Beam Bay & Hot Plate/Oven
Litho Process Karl Suss MA6
Litho Process Laurell Litho Bay & Hot Plate/Oven
Litho Process Laurell Spinner E-Beam Bay & Hot Plate/Oven
Litho Process Suss Delta 20 & Hot Plate
Litho Process Suss Delta 80 & Hot Plate/Oven
Oven, YES, Image Reversal/HMDS
Raith 150, e-beam lithography
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Plasma
Asher - Anatech Barrel SCE600
Asher - Tepla M4L
DRIE - Deep RIE, STS
DRIE - Oxford Plasma Pro
RIE/ICP, Unaxis SLR
Trion RIE/ICP
Unaxis 790 RIE
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Wet Processing
Amerimade Bench BOE/HF
Amerimade Bench SC1/SC2
Critical Point Dryer
General Acids/Bases Bench-Left
JST Wet Bench
Solvent Bench #1 Lift Off
Solvent Bench #1 PR Strip
Solvent Bench 2 - hot plate and workspace
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Other (No Associated Keywords)
Allied Multi-prep Lapping and Polishing system
PDMS Process Tools - Room 235
Spin Dryer - Sitek
Wenesco Hotplate
Particle Analysis Instrumentation Center (PAIC)
The Particle Analysis Instrumentation Center grew out of a National Science Foundation ERC into one of the premier particle characterization facilities in the U.S. The PAIC provides the instrumentation and expertise to synthesize and characterize particulate systems for a wide variety of applications across a broad range of industries. There are over 30 instruments available for analyzing particle size, shape, surface and bulk powder properties along with spectroscopic, imaging and analytical instrumentation for chemical analysis and systems characterization.
Other Analytical Techniques
Rheometer - ARES LS1
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Particle Analysis/Characterization
Brookhaven ZetaPlus
Colloidal Dynamics Acoustosizer IIs
Coulter LS13320
Coulter Multisizer III
Malvern Zetasizer Ultra
Microtrac Nanotrac
Paar Physica Electro Kinetic Analyzer
TSI PSD 3603 (Aerosizer)
Zeta Reader Mark 21
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Porosimetry/Porometry/Surface Area
Autosorb iQ - Analysis (Ar, CO2, He)
Autosorb iQ - Krypton
Autosorb iQ - Outgassing (monitor)
Quantachrome PoreMaster Mercury Porosimeter
Quantachrome Porometer 3g zh
Quantachrome Ultrapyc 1000 Gas Pycnometer
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Sample Preparation
Labconco Triad Freeze Dryer
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Spectroscopy
FTIR/FTIR Microscope - ThermoFisher iS50
UV/Vis - Perkin-Elmer Lambda 800
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Other (No Associated Keywords)
Autosorb iQ - Chemi analysis (H2)
Notice: Please contact international@erc-assoc.org if you represent this Research Institution and have identified any required additions or modifications to the above information.