ARFMP: Modernization of Fenske Chemical Engineering Laboratory

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This Academic Research Facilities Modernization Program (ARFMP) award from the Research Facilities Office provides funds to The Pennsylvania State University-University Park Campus for the renovation and repair of Fenske Laboratory which houses that institution's chemical engineering research and research training activities, including tribology research, materials science of surfactants, environmental processes, and catalysis. This building was constructed in 1958 and was expanded by the addition of a new wing in 1968, but it has not been renovated since that time. The ARFMP grant of $825,000 and $1,133,226 provided by the grantee as cost sharing will be used to modernize these research and research training facilities. This project will address the need to improve the current research infrastructure by upgrading heating and air- conditioning to ensure proper conditions for computers and sensitive instruments; installing proper ventilation, lighting, and electrical circuits to meet health and safety standards; providing handicapped access; installing the wiring necessary for a computer network; and refurbishing laboratory space. This award contributes to the infrastructure of science and engineering by providing an improved environment for one of the nation's premier research programs, the Tribology Research Program, as well as for other fields of The Pennsylvania State University's Department of Chemical Engineering. Students trained in these laboratories, where high technology instruments are used and where numerous functional fluids and lubricants have been developed, are in demand in both basic and applied research fields.