The Macromolecular Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratory
is equipped for studying the kinetics of polymer reactions. A variety of batch and
flow reactors are available for use under a wide range of controlled temperatures
and pressures, including high vacuum and supercritical fluid conditions. Reactions
nvolving hazardous and/or volatile materials can be done inside an ample fume hood.
Two HPLC/GPC systems (HP-1050 with UV and RI detectors, Waters-150C with RI) are used
for molecular weight distribution measurements in organic or aqueous solution. A
thermogravimetric apparatus (Perkin-Elmer TGA-7) for pyrolysis studies is available
in the Department's Thermal Analysis Lab. Also available in neighboring labs are apparatus
for BET measurements, GC/MS and FTIR, and many other measurements.