Creative polymer science and engineering... Supporting industry in its search for excellence
Technological initiatives
Technological initiatives from the Institute for Polymer Research (IPR) have been instrumental in the development of better polymers for wire and cable applications, polymer modifications to make heat- and oil-resistant rubber, new polymer alloys and blends, systems for recycling polyolefin containers, the computer design of extrusion screws and dies and computer modelling and control of polymerization processes.
The Institute
The Institute carries out applied and fundamental research in areas that are of vital interest to the plastics, coatings, adhesives and elastomers industries. This includes work in such diverse fields as molecular weight characterization, thermal characterization, emulsion polymerization, polymer processing, polymerization kinetics, copolymerization, reactive extrusion, polymer-based catalysts, polymer photochemistry and development of new monomers and polymers.
Member firms in the Institute receive:
- Two days of free consulting per annum by faculty members
- Advanced research results before papers are published
- Participation in Annual Symposium held in May
- Membership on the IPR Industrial Advisory Council
- Reduced rates on analytical and other research services
- Priority on contract research
Intensive short courses
IPR also provides intensive short courses in Canada, USA, South America and Europe, or in-house for members firms.
News
Innovative 3D-Printed Filter Captures 90% of Microplastics from Water
Professor Tizazu Mekonnen, a member of the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology's Institute for Polymer Research (IPR), and his research team have developed a novel 3D-printed filtration system capable of removing up to 90 per cent of microplastics from water. The low-cost, customizable technology uses biodegradable polymer materials and a unique filter design to significantly outperform many existing microplastic removal methods.
The gravity-driven filtration system combines specially engineered porous filter disks with an adhesive coating that enhances the capture of microplastic particles as water flows through the system. The technology has potential applications in household water treatment systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and other industrial water purification processes.
The research, conducted in collaboration with MASc student Ethan Crawford, demonstrates a promising new approach to addressing the growing presence of microplastics in water systems and the environment.
The study, 3D-printed, flow-through water filters for microplastic capture: The effect of surface porosity, column height, and pressure-sensitive adhesives on removal efficiency, was recently published in Separation and Purification Technology.
For the full article, visit: https://uwaterloo.ca/chemical-engineering/news/new-3d-printed-filters-capture-microplastics-high-efficiencyNew 3D-printed filters capture microplastics with high efficiency.
Professor Tizazu Mekonnen Develops Next-Generation X-Ray Protection Materials
Professor Tizazu Mekonnen, a member of the Institute for Polymer Research, is leading research to develop lightweight, flexible materials that can effectively shield against X-ray radiation without relying on lead. His team has designed polymer-based composites containing tungsten nanoparticles that provide strong radiation protection while addressing the weight and health concerns associated with traditional lead-based shielding. By optimizing the polymer architecture, the researchers aim to create safer and more comfortable protective materials for use in healthcare, industry, security screening, and other applications. Read the full article from University of Waterloo News.
IPR Research Advances Cleaner, More Effective Pesticide Delivery
Professor Michael Tam, a member of the Institute for Polymer Research, is leading research that could transform how pesticides are delivered in agriculture. His team has developed a water-based nanotechnology formulation that helps pesticides better adhere to plant leaves in challenging conditions like wind and rain, reducing waste and environmental contamination while improving pest control. Early field trials in Singapore showed the system outperformed conventional pesticide delivery methods using less active ingredient. Read the full article from the University of Waterloo News. See also UW researchers develop a better way to deliver pesticides to plants | Watch