CAMP Collaborates with Process Intensification and Innovation Center at the University of Newcastle in the UK

CAMP is collaborating on nanoparticle precipitation and coating projects with the Process Intensification and Innovation Center (PIIC), led by Professor Roshan Jachuck of the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Newcastle in the United Kingdom.

This Process Intensification and Innovation Center has pioneered a process for continuous production of nanoparticles using thin highly sheared films which can be generated on a rotating surface. Precipitation of barium sulfate has been studied by reacting barium chloride and sodium sulfate at high supersaturation using a spinning cone. Excellent micromixing was achieved. It led to very high crystal nucleation rates, resulting in nanoparticles with tight size distribution. The spinning cone produces particles roughly ten times smaller than those made in a conventionally agitated batch reactor. Potential industrial applications for this process include pharmaceuticals, paints/pigments, fillers, coatings, CMP, electronics, the food industry, polymerization, and household products. This technology is currently being developed and managed by Protensive Ltd.

Size distributions of product crystals show that the cone produces particles roughly ten times smaller than in a conventionally agitated batch reactor. ("Continuous Production of Barium Sulfate Using a Spinning Cone Precipitator." P. Hetherington, M.J. Scalley & R.J.J. Jachuck, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Process Intensification for the chemical industries, September 2001.)

CAMP Professors Mueller and Markowski Pursue Biomedical Research

CAMP Professors Anja Mueller (of Clarkson University's Department of Chemistry) and Maciej Markowski (of Clarkson University's Physical Therapy Department) are involved in biomedical research. The objective of their project entitled "Biochip Olfactory System" is to develop a bioelectronic device that can detect chemicals with high sensitivity. One of the most sensitive receptors in nature is the dog's olfactory system. They plan to take advantage of the sensitvity of these cells and use them in a biochip device. In addition, they are collaborating on a coating project for intravascular devices. This involves the use of hyperbranched polymer coatings to eliminate the need for anticoagulation therapy. These coatings can be used for mechanical heart valves, intravascular catheters, vascular prosthesis, and wires for heart stimulators.

Clarkson's Senior University Professor Richard Partch Offers Short Courses

Clarkson's Senior University Professor Richard Partch offered a number of short courses. In February of 2001, he taught a three-day short course on "Bioparticles" in the ERC at the University of Florida. During the month of March, he gave a short course on "Particle Surface Modification" at the Particles 2001 Conference in Orlando, Florida. In addition, Professor Partch served as coorganizer of Symposia for the Fall 2001 MRS meeting on "Nanoparticulate Materials" and for the October 2001 conference on "Composites" at Lake Louise in Calgary, Canada.. He also offered a one-day short course on "Particle Surface Modification" at the conference in Lake Louise.