Polymers in Membrane Technology

Special Sessions Honoring Professor Donald Paul

Co-organizers:

 

Kirt A. Page (NIST, Polymers Division);   Benny Freeman (UT Austin)
238th ACS National Meeting & Exposition
Poly Division, August 16-20 2009 (Washington, D.C.)

Scope: Polymeric materials have been and continue to be a crucial component in the development of membranes for gas separation, desalination, water purification, and fuel cell applications. Regardless of the particular application, one cannot overstate the importance of chain microstructure, chain dynamics, and nanoscale morphology on the transport properties and overall performance characteristics of these materials. As further advancements are made in membrane chemistry, control of membrane nanostructure and membrane characterization, there is a necessity for organized forums that foster cross-fertilization of knowledge and ideas between experts in polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer physics, and membrane characterization.

 

In addition, one day of this symposium will be set aside to honor the achievements of Dr. Donald Paul of the University of Texas at Austin for his many significant contributions to the field of polymer blends and composites for use in membrane applications.

 

To this end, we are organizing a symposium entitled “Polymers in Membrane Technology” at the 238th ACS National Meeting & Exposition being held August 16-20, 2009 in Washington, D.C.Ê The goals of this symposium are to:

1. Capture the breadth of work being done in the area of polymer membranes specifically for use in gas separations, water purification, and fuel cell membranes and to demonstrate the scientific and measurement challenges common to each of these areas.

2. Emphasize the need and identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations.

 

 

Program: This symposium will consist of 8 focused sessions of oral presentations over 4 days. The eight focused sessions will include the following topics:

1. Composite materials for membrane applications
2. Polymers for gas separation/purification and water purification
3. Polymers for fuel cell applications
4. Characterization of membrane transport properties
5. Control and characterization of membrane nanostructure

Talks are targeted to be 20 minutes for contributed talks and 30 minutes for invited talks, consistent with ACS symposia structure. Breaks will be scheduled at regular intervals to foster lively discussions between participants and speakers. It is our aim to structure the sessions such that we achieve a healthy balance between both young and established scientists to encourage audience to remain throughout the sessions and provide a productive environment for questions and discussion.

 

Abstract submission January 19th, 2009 through March 18th, 2009.

 

Kirt A. Page, Ph.D.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Polymers Division
Bldg. 224/Room B220
100 Bureau Drive MS8542
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8540
Telephone: 301-975-5030
Fax: 301-975-4924