TRFA announces Thermoset Polymer Research Award winner.
Press Release Summary:
Mohamed Baqar, a Ph.D student at the Department of Chemical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, is the winner of the 3rd Annual Excellence in Thermoset Polymer Research Award for his paper, "Methylol-Functional Benzoxazines: Novel Precursors for Phenolic Thermoset Polymers." TRFA is also awarding second place prize to Brendan McDonald of the University of Waterloo for his paper "Biomimetic Micro-Structured Surfaces: Pattern Transfer and Fabrication of Icephobic Epoxy Surfaces.”
Original Press Release:
TRFA Announces 2012 Winner of Excellence in Thermoset Polymer Research Award
Glen Ellyn, IL—The Thermoset Resin Formulators Association (TRFA) has announced that Mohamed Baqar, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, is the winner of the 3rd Annual Excellence in Thermoset Polymer Research Award. His paper, "Methylol-Functional Benzoxazines: Novel Precursors for Phenolic Thermoset Polymers,” will be presented at the TRFA 2012 Annual Meeting, October 28-30 at Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Mr. Baqar’s study represents a pioneer class of high performance benzoxazine resin by incorporating methlol group into benzoxazine structure. The presence of methylol groups exhibits an additional condensation reaction along with the polymerizationof polybenzoxazine. In addition, these groups play a significant role in accelerating polymerization which improved the thermal properties of the produced polymer.
Because the competition for the Excellence in Thermoset Polymer Research Award was especially close this year, TRFA is also awarding a second place prize to Brendan McDonald of the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, for his paper "Biomimetic Micro-Structured Surfaces: Pattern Transfer and Fabrication of Icephobic Epoxy Surfaces.”
Mr. McDonald’s paper will also be presented at the 2012 TRFA Annual Meeting. The paper considers how utilizing a two-stage pattern transfer process, a superhydrophobic surface was generated with an epoxy material possessing a micro-patterned array of pillars where subsequent characterization has observed several properties that indicate a potential effectiveness as a robust icephobic surface coating. In contrast to much recent work, the use of an epoxy material to generate superhydrophobic surfaces is rare compared to the more common use of PDMS or polyurethane composites within adhesion or coating applications. This work addresses several practical issues related to the icing of surfaces within an outdoor environment, including both ice-adhesion and the hydrophobic characteristics within a variable temperature environment.
TRFA has also announced four Honorable Mention Awards. They are:
•Â Â Jia Liu, Case Western Reserve University, Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, "Anomalous Isomeric Effect on the Properties of Bisphenol F-based Benzoxazines: Towards the Molecular Design for Higher Performance." (http://www.trfa.org/Documents/Paper4-JiaLiu.pdf)
•Â Â Gaurav Pandey, University of Delaware, Department of Mechanical Engineering, "Smart Tooling for Thermoset Polymer Based Fiber Composites."Â (http://www.trfa.org/Documents/Paper12-Pandey.pdf)
•Â Â Ardavan Zandiatashbar, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Department of Mechanical Engineering, "Temperature Sensitivity of Mechanical Properties in Epoxy-Graphene Nanocomposites." (http://www.trfa.org/Documents/Paper5-Zandiatashbar.pdf)
•Â Â Malia Zee, North Dakota State University, Department of Polymers and Coating Materials, "Molecular Dynamics Studies of Degrading Thermoset Networks." (http://www.trfa.org/Documents/Paper11-Zee.pdf)
In 2010, TRFA initiated the award for student researchers to encourage and recognize advances in the science engineering of thermosetting polymers. In addition, the association believes the award can provide the recipient with visibility and exposure in the industry. The award for each winner includes: a cash award and an award plaque that will presented at the TRFA 2012 Annual Meeting; complimentary registration for the Annual Meeting; two-night complimentary accommodations at Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, Florida; travel allowance of up to $500 for one person; and the opportunity to present their paper at the Annual Meeting. Winning papers are also posted on the TRFA website and will be included on the CD of conference proceedings which will be presented to all meeting attendees. The TRFA Academic Panel judging the 11 submissions was chaired by Dr. Pritesh Patel of Air Products & Chemicals. Eligible students must be BS, MS, or PhD candidates at an accredited college/university (in USA + Canada).
In addition to the research award, TRFA invites students to present posters showcasing research work in the field of composites, coatings, adhesives, molding or related thermosetting polymer technologies. Poster presentations are part of the Table Top Showcase scheduled for Monday, October 29th. Participating students have the opportunity to network with representatives of some of the most important suppliers to the thermoset/polymer industry. TRFA has also established a Resume Board to post positions and resumes, as well as a professional membership category for Universities. To learn more about these TRFA benefits, please visit the website, www.trfa.org.
Complete meeting information including fax-in or online registration, online hotel reservations, technical paper abstracts and a table top exhibitor contract is available at https://www.trfa.org/meeting/2012.
TRFA is comprised of thermoset formulators and fabricators, raw material suppliers, distributors, equipment manufacturers, manufacturer sales representatives of materials or equipment, importers of raw materials or processing or other equipment, consulting firms and academic institutions serving industries which include adhesives, coatings, civil engineering applications, electrical laminates, composites, tooling, castings and moldings. To learn more about TRFA please visit the website at www.trfa.org or contact the association at (630) 942-6596.
