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Hardin, and Daniel Galles, for their support and encouragement. I would like thank Peter Hatch of the University of Iowa Department of Chemistry for his advice and expertise in the design and construction of my quartz components. I want to thank Professors Allan Guymon and Gary Aurand of the University of Iowa Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering for their insight and generosity in allowing me to use their lab equipment. I extend thanks to Professor Scott Giese of the University of Northern Iowa Department of Industrial Technology for providing additional experimental support. I also thank Jerry Thiel and the students at the University of Northern Iowa Metal Casting Center for their assistance with specimen production. Finally, special thanks are extended to my friends and family, especially my parents David and Joanne and my wife Lindsay, for all their love, support, and understanding during this challenging process.