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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Congratulations to chemical engineering major Gabriela Moya, recipient of a 2021 CDE Dean's Achievement Award! Gaby is a BSE candidate from Davenport, Iowa. She has participated in the CIMBA Italy study abroad program and is president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Gaby...
Chemical Engineering Student Spotlight – Elizabeth Occhi
Elizabeth Occhi is a senior studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Iowa. She is graduating in May of 2021 and looks forward to returning to the UIowa to pursue a...
Three chemical and biochemical engineering undergraduate teaching assistants were named Koch Teaching Fellows for Fall 2020! The Koch Teaching Fellow is given to undergraduate teaching assistants who have excelled and gone over and above responsibilities in helping students for their assigned...
