Planning Grant to Establish an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Separations Using Thin Films

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The use of thin films to perform separations is an emerging technology which can be a key in the economic competitiveness of the chemical process and biotechnology industries. The separation step is often the major factor in determining the cost of a product. Industry has indicated an interest in supporting a cooperative research center in separations using thin films. The co-principal investigators are highly qualified to direct a study of the viability and feasibility of an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Separations Using Thin Films. The study would determine if the Center has the potential to become self-sufficient with industrial funding in a five-year period as NSF funding is phased out. The objective of such a Center would be to address the generic research needs of industry, especially in polymeric membranes, thin film processes, fiber coatings, advanced ceramic materials, biosensors, surface science and catalysis, liquid crystals, and chemical complexation. An I/UCR Center at the University of Colorado appears to be a promising approach to satisfy the noted need. Alternative organizations, operations, and policies would be studied as well as industry's interests and specific needs in research. The Program Manager recommends that the University of Colorado be awarded $25,000 for one year to fund such a study. All future funding will be on the basis of a new proposal. This recommendation has been coordinated with Dr. Jeffrey H. Harwell, Program Director of the Separation and Purification Processes Program.