The Division provides leadership in the development of clean processing practices. A continuous microwave reactor has been developed to the stage of commercial production. A batch microwave reactor has been developed also and research used to study chemical reactions under conditions made possible by these reactors. This has established the value of the technology in reducing the use of organic solvents in process chemistry.
Membrane technology is another research area related to efficient processing.
Work is being conducted into surface modification by UV, plasma, and chemical means with the aim of reducing membrane fouling. The use of membranes for the simultaneous synthesis and separation of specialty chemicals is being explored also, with the aim of increasing yields and decreasing byproducts. As part of the CRC for Eye Research and Technology, new polymers and surfaces for vision corrective devices placed in or on the eye are being researched. Target products include high performance contact lenses and artificial corneas. In the CRC for Cardiac Technology , a new generation of polyurethane elastomer is being developed.