Research in transport processes and thermodynamics provides the foundation for many new and evolving technologies in areas ranging from biochemical production to microelectronics. Fundamental studies underway are at the forefront of scientific disciplines such as thermodynamics, continuum and statistical mechanics, chemical physics, heat and mass transfer, interfacial transport, fluid mechanics, and applied mathematics. Many departmental faculty have research interests which fall into these areas, and their projects offer stimulating fundamental studies motivated by application. Theory and experiments are combined to provide a complete understanding of a research problem. Much research specializes in the development of new numerical methods for large-scale physiochemical hydrodynamics.
Polymers comprise a large fraction of the total production of the chemical industry.
Their unique macromolecular structure is rich and complex, and requires understanding of relationships between their molecular architecture and physical properties. As polymers continue to replace existing materials in certain applications and open up interesting new areas of technology, greater understanding is required at various levels, ranging from the molecular to the continuum. Chemical engineers contribute to the polymer field in numerous areas of activity such as polymer processing, polymer rheology, structure-property relationships, design of polymers and polymer synthesis and characterization, and interactions among these different areas. In addition to a program of graduate study in polymers within the department, opportunities exist to participate directly and indirectly in the activities of the interdepartmental Program in Polymer Science and Technology. Surface Science and Microelectronics.