Student Designed Project Details
Project Information
- Biomedical Metals & Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs)
- Project date :Spring 2019
- Progress Bar :Project Completed
100%
Project Overview
In this student-designed Chemistry II experiment, my team and I evaluated whether self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and lauric acid functionalization can slow corrosion on copper and aluminum substrates. The study combines surface wetting (contact angle) measurements and UV-Vis absorbance of copper ions to quantify protection in DI water, saline, and peroxide solutions.
The goal was to demonstrate that SAMs + lauric acid form a hydrophobic barrier that reduces corrosion on biomedical metals compared to bare and SAM-only controls.
Key Features
Surface Prep & Functionalization
Copper/aluminum coupons cleaned, SAMs applied, then lauric-acid functional group added; bare and SAM-only controls included.
Contact-Angle Metrology
ImageJ used to measure droplet contact angles to verify monolayer adhesion and hydrophobicity changes.
Corrosion & Spectroscopy Testing
Samples incubated in DI water, saline, and H₂O₂; UV-Vis at 635 nm tracks copper-ion release to compare corrosion rates.
Data & Conclusions
Copper with SAMs + lauric acid showed the strongest resistance (lower ion release/less blue tint); aluminum results were inconclusive—suggests testing alternative SAM chemistries.