Engineering Research Equipment Grant: Purchase of a Gel Permeation Chromatograph

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The efficient production of polymers having precisely defined properties requires the development of advanced process control strategies which are based on a thorough understanding of the processes occurring in their polymerization reactor. This in turn requires the use of on-line sensors to measure polymer properties during synthesis. The major objective of the PI's research program is to develop quality control strategies for free radical polymerization of vinyl monomers, melt polycondensation of thermoplastic aromatic polymers, and innovative polymerization catalyst systems. such strategies are based on understanding the fundamental characteristics of the polymerization occurring especially the molecular weight and the molecular weight distribution. This equipment grant will supply funds for the purchase of a gel permeation chromatograph which will permit the PI to make rapid on-line measurements of molecular weight properties. He will use this information in the design of his control systems.