Materials research chemical engineering frontiers

While the mechanical performance of artificial materials in the human body can be predicted with some rehabihty, forecasting their biological performance is difficnlt. The problem of interactions at surfaces has already been mentioned. Research frontiers also include developing ways to simulate in vivo processes in vitro and extending the power and apphcability of such simulations to allow for better prediction of the performance of biomedical materials and devices in the patient. Fundamental information on the correlation between the in vivo and in vitro responses is limited. Chemical engineers might also make contribntions to the problem of noninvasive monitoring of implanted materials. 

A wide variety of chemical engineering research frontiers involve advanced materials and belong in the mainstream of academic chemical engineering departments. The following list of frontiers ranges from the molecular level to the systems level. 

The study of materials has traditionally centered on the influence of molecular composition and microstracture on mechanical, electrical, optical, and chemical properties. At the molecular level are a variety of research frontiers that can profitably draw chemical engineers into close collaboration with physical and theoretical chemists. They include the following research areas. 

There are two major frontiers in membrane research, one technological and the other scientific. At the technological frontier, chemical engineers can make important contribntions to the development of new materials, the engineering of stractnre or morphology into membranes, and the identification of new ways of using permselective membranes. 

The chemical engineering research frontiers of most relevance to the Department of Defense are in materials. Faster electronic devices, more reliable communication systems, and stronger structural components are all needed by DOD in order to fulfill its mission. Chemical processing is a valuable tool to tailor these materials for specific mihtary uses. 

We will work with industry and foster interdisciplinary research through collaboration with chemical engineering and other disciplines. We will promote the general concepts of clean technology towards an improved public understanding of science. Also, we will work at the frontiers of modem chemical research in the areas of clean synthesis, catalysis, novel materials and application of renewable resources and seek to do the following ... 

Molecular design and rational synthesis of inorganic microporous crystalline materials are frontier subjects in the fields of zeolites science and molecular engineering. Zeolite synthesis is an active field of research because zeolites with uniform micropores are important in many industrial processes in catalysis, adsorption, and separation, and are finding new applications in electronics, magnetism, chemical sensors, and medicine, etc.12 91 Synthesis of such materials typically involves crystallization from a gel medium under hydrothermal/solvothermal conditions in the presence of organic amines as... 

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