Chemical engineering opportunities research recommendations

Chemical engineering builds on research results from other disciplines, as well as those from its own practitioners. Not surprisingly, the most important of these other disciplines is chemistry. A vital base of chemical science is needed to stimulate future progress in chemical engineering, just as a vital base in chemical engineering is needed to capitalize on advances in chemistry. The committee endorses the recommendations contained in the NRC s 1985 report Opportunities in Chemistry, and urges their implementation in addition to the recommendations contained in this volume. 

How can chemical engineering departments implement this broader curriculum as well as aggressively respond to new research challenges and opportunities A bold step is needed. The committee recommends that universities conduct a one-time expansion of chemical engineering departments over the next 5 years, exercising a preference for new faculty capable of research at interdisciplinaiy frontiers. 

This comprehensive reference book examines the physical and chemical properties, uses, and toxicity of organic solvents in the chemical and related process industries. It will afford the chemist, chemical engineer, researchers, and other workers in the chemical and allied industries the opportunity to review all the important chemical and physical properties of industrial solvents. The current environmental impact of recommended safe handling procedures and chemical reactivity solvents are also presented. The solvents are classified according to their chemical structure and include aldehydes, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers, halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones, nitroparaffins, and monohydric and polyhydric alcohols. Also covered are acids, aliphatic and heterocyclic amines, esters, glycol ethers, and several miscellaneous solvents. 

The findings and recommendations outhned here and in previous chapters show that the intersection of chemistry and chemical engineering with computing and information technology is a sector that is ripe with opportunity. Important accomplishments have already been realized, and major technical progress should be expected if new and existing resources are optimized in support of research, education, and infrastructure. While this report identifies many needs and opportunities, the path forward is not yet fully defined and will require additional analysis. 

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