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American Chemical Society
Pittsburgh Section

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The U.S. Department of Energy's Gasification Program

Ronald Breault
U.S. DOE National Energy Technology Laboratory, Morgantown, WV

Thursday, 15 May 2008

Abstract: will speak on the U.S. Department of Energy's Gasification Program, including a quick overview of what gasification is, a summary of the history of gasification and IGCC power, and details of DOE's research program.

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To be announced

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UV-Curing of  Polyester Acrylate
Inorganic/Organic Hybrids

Mark D. Soucek
Department of Polymer Engineering,
University of Akron

20 May 2008

Abstract
Polyester acrylate inorganic/organic hybrids were prepared using either an ex situ or an in situ approach.  For the ex situ approach vinyl or acrylic functionalized alkoxysilanes were used to form  functionalized colloids.  The colloid was formulated into an acrylated polyester (AP), and a radical photoinitiator was added a sol-gel precursor, coupling agent, and reactive diluent then UV-cured.  The tensile and scratch data show that inorganic colliod dramatically increased mechanical and coatings properties. The morphology of films and the particle size were observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The data indicated that the average silica particle size was ~ 90 nm and the particles were well-dispersed in the organic phase. It was postulated that the VTMS oligomer functioned effectively as a hyper-branched crosslinder, a surface modifier and reactive diluent.  For an in situ sol-gel approach, a sol gel precursor was formulated with unsaturated polyesters and UV-cured.   The UV-cured inorganic/organic hybrid films exhibited more homogeneous film morphology compared to the organic counterparts. Microgel and inorganic network formation during the UV-initiated free radical crosslinking reactions was suggested to describe the complex gel-point behavior. It was proposed that the formation of the inorganic silicate groups retarded the organic crosslinking reactions. In the hybrid films, a core-shell like inorganic/organic particle morphology was observed. The UV-crosslinked organic phase forms the core, whereas the inorganic silicate forms the surrounding shell.

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MISSION STATEMENT:

The Pittsburgh Chemists Club of the Pittsburgh Section of the American Chemical Society acts as a networking and social support group for chemists. The Group provides a means for chemists to meet and exchange information concerning chemical developments, employment, and other opportunities. These goals are accomplished through technical and non-technical seminars, site visits, and other educational activities. The group provides a social mechanism for retired members to participate in ACS activities. All others interested in supporting the activities of the Retired Chemists' Group are welcome to affiliate.

Membership in the Pittsburgh Chemists Club is open to all.

Dues to support the Group activities are $5.00 annually, payable to the Group Secretary.

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For more info click here to link to the WPTAG web site

The objective of the WPTAG is to promote and broaden the knowledge of chemical technology among its members through meetings, papers, discussions, and publications; to improve the qualifications, usefulness and contributions of its members to their fields of interest, to the employers they represent, and to one another, through high standards of professional ethics, education, and attainments and to work with the ACS, and the Pittsburgh Section thereof, in fulfilling goals of mutual importance.

Programs
Recognition
The Technician of the Year is recognized on the basis of nominations received during the year for chemical laboratory technicians. The award includes a plaque and gift and nomination for the national "Technician of the Year" award. All chemical technicians as defined by the ACS, with a minimum of three years experience, are eligible for nomination. Membership in the ACS, WPTAG, or the ACS’s Division of Chemical Technicians is. Nominations may be made by anyone working in the chemical industry. Contact the Recognition Chair for additional information.

The Outstanding Student of the Year is presented to a member of each graduating class of the Bidwell Training Center Chemical Laboratory program (two classes per year) selected from nominations received from the staff. The award is a plaque, presented either at a graduating ceremony or at a WPTAG general membership meeting.

Publications
WPTAG events and activities are published in the Pittsburgh Section ACS Newsletter The Crucible. Membership in WPTAG provides a subscription to the Pittsburgh Section ACS Newsletter The Crucible. Contact V. Michael Mautino if you are not on the mailing list for The Crucible.

Membership
Membership forms are available from any WPTAG officer. Membership dues are $5.00 per year, payable to WPTAG. Membership renewals are due by 31 March each year.

WPTAG Goals and Objectives

WPTAG primary goals and objectives are to

• Promote community awareness of the Technician’s role in the chemical industry.
• Increase visibility of unique, significant contributions of Technicians.
• Provide interesting and informative programs.
• Provide information about training courses to meet the needs of Technicians.
• Establish networks within the ACS Division of Chemicals Technicians (TECH) and with other TAG’s..
• Increase recognition of the Technician as a viable career choice.
• Provide Technicians a network with their peers.

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