Photopolymerizations are chain reactions in which a liquid monomer is converted to a solid, durable polymer in a process triggered by light of the appropriate wavelength. The use of light, rather than heat, to drive a polymerization reaction offers advantages in developing new processes or products. The department's research in this area focuses on comprehensive characterization of the kinetics, mechanisms, structure, and properties of photopolymerizations.
Work includes the following types of studies: characterization of the photochemical processes by which polymerizations may be initiated; kinetic characterization of cationic photopolymerization; development of methods for photopolymerization of thick polymers and composites; development of photopolymerization systems based upon agricultural feedstocks; new methods for monitoring high-speed photopolymerization reactions; nanostructured materials through photopolymerization; biomedical devices formed by photopolymerization; and influence of order on photopolymerization reactions.
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The University of Iowa took home first and second place at the ChemE Jeopardy Regional Competition this spring!
The first place team members were Dimitri Gatzios, Mason Lyons, Collin Sindt, and Darrell Smith. The second place team (pictured here) included Nolan Burson, Kevin Dial, Marie...
Chemical Engineering Alumni Spotlight – Collette Lentz
Collette Lentz is a Chemical Engineering alumnus from the University of Iowa. She is currently working at DuPont as the North America Group Application Manager for cultures and dairy enzymes. Learn more about Collette and...
Despite years of regulating human-source emissions, air pollution remains problematic, and some University of Iowa scientists say it’s time to look closer at the ground below.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are toxic gasses that contribute to surface level ozone, or air pollution, such as smog...
