BEST - Green Building Research and Equipment Inventory
Dr. Skip Rochefort (skip.rochefort@oregonstate.edu)
OSU School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering and BEST Faculty Member
Director, OSU and COE Precollege K-12 Programs
Gleeson Hall 205, Corvallis, OR 97331 Ph (541) 737-2408 Fax (541) 737-4600
Research
Polymer Characterization and Processing Laboratory
- Molecular, Thermal, and Rheological Characterization of Polymers and Composite Materials
- Polymer Processing
Projects- Plastics
1) The use of recycled plastics in insulation, SIPs (structural insulation panels) and building materials for green building
applications.
2) The repair of polyethylene gas pipes using a novel gel patch technology.
3) Rheological Characterization and Processing of Wood/Plastic Composites
4) Biodegradeable Polymer from Biodiesel Waste (Glycerol)
Projects – Biomaterials
1) Molecular and Rheological Characterization of Hyaluronic Acide and Equine Synovial fluid for Joint Lubrication
2) Hydrogels and hydrogel composites for the repair of ruptured spinal discs (nucleus pulposus).
Teaching
- Polymer Science and Engineering - undergraduate and graduate course (also UO Materials Science Institute)
- Plastics for Poets -- social, political, and environmental implications of plastics in the world;
- New sustainability bacc core requirement in OSU curriculum (proposed).
Outreach
Director, OSU and COE Precollege K-12 Programs
K-12 Outreach Programs -- Sustainability education
OSU CBEE Materials Characterization and Processing Facilities
Rheological Characterization
• Bohlin Controlled Stress Rheometer (CS-50) – steady and dynamic capability
• Rheometrics Fluids Spectometer (RFS 7800) – steady, normal stress, and dynamic capability
* TA Instruments AR 2000Ex Rheometer (2008 model) - steady, normal stress, and dynamic capability with temp.
range -150C – 400C.
Thermal Characterization
• TA Instruments Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC 2920)
• TA Instruments Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA 1600 – up to 1600°C)
• TA Instruments Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA 2950 – up to 1200°C)
* Thermal Resistance Measurement System (TRMS 9000) – ASTM thermal conductivity (R-value) measurements
- “One-of-a-kind” instrument constructed with BEST funding.
Molecular Characterization
• Wyatt Multiple Angle Laser Light Scattering (MALLS) system (Dawn EOS)
• Beckman- Coulter Quasi-elastic Light Scattering (QELS) Particle Sizing (NP4+) (3– 300nm)
• Combined Gel Permeation Chromatography with MALLS (flow-thru cell)
• Capillary Viscometers – Dilute Solution (Cannon-Ubellohde)
Surface Characterization
• Digital Instruments Atomic Force Microscope (NanoScope III)
• First Ten Angstroms Contact Angle and Video Analysis Sytem (FTA 135)
• First Ten Angstroms automated Surface Tensiometer (FTA10)
Polymer Processing
• Brabender 3/4 in. single-screw extruder with capillary die attachment
• SCS Laboratory Spin Coating System (Model 6708D)