Dr. Raymond W. Flumerfelt
Dean of Engineering
Professor of Chemical Engineering

Dept. of Chemical Engineering
University of Houston
4800 Calhoun Ave.
Houston, TX 77204-4004
Office Location: E421-D3
Telephone: (713) 743-4242
Fax: (713) 743-4323
E-mail: rwf@uh.edu

› EDUCATION    › RESEARCH    › HONORS&ACTIVITIES    › PUBLICATIONS

EDUCATION

— B.S. Chemical Engineering, Lamar University
— M.S. Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University
— Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Northwestern University

RESEARCH & Professional INTERESTS

In recent years we have been developing fundamental knowledge and process technologies for controlled structure processing of cellular materials. We have been particularly interested in the production of lightweight polymer foams and composites. Utilizing new generation polyolefins, polyimides, and biodegradable polymers, and by altering the basic processes of nucleation, bubble growth, and film stability, it is possible to obtain a full spectrum of lightweight composites with varied temperature, strength, electrical, and other properties. These materials have a variety of applications in the consumer, electronic, and construction industries.

Current projects and interests include:

› Development of next generation simulators for free expansion and extrusion processing of    cellular materials
› High pressure extrusion processing and the development and use of environmentally benign    blowing agents
› Enhancement of nucleation in low surface energy materials through heterogeneous    nucleators derived from plasma surface treatments
› Rheological behavior of base polymers with dissolved blowing agents
› Advanced modeling and analysis of viscoelastic film drainage and stability
› Replacement of stable polymer foam systems with biodegradable products for packaging    and consumer applications

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HONORS & ACTIVITIES

— 2001: NASA Honor Medal for Civilian Public Service
— 2000: Elizabeth D. Rockwell Chair
— 1993:Engineering Nominee, Outstanding University Administrator (TAMU)
— 1989: Outstanding Professor, Chemical Engineering (TAMU)
— 1984: Visiting NSF Scholar/Professor, Japan
— 1980, 1982: Best Fundamental Paper Awards, AICHE, STS
— 1972-1990: Outstanding Teacher Citations
— 1963-1966: Walter P. Murphy Procter & Gamble Fellow
— Honorary Societies: Tau Beta Pi, Omega Chi Epsilon, Sigma Xi
— Professional Societies: AIChE, ACS, AIME SPE, Society of Rheology
— National Board, Southeastern Consortium for Minorities in Engineering (SECME)
— Texas Engineering Deans Council; TSPE Education Advisory Committee

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SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

1. Lee, J.G. and R.W. Flumerfelt, "Nitrogen Solubilities in Low Density Polyethylene at High Temperatures and Pressures," J. Appl. Polymer Sci., 58, 2213-19 (1995).
2. Shafi, M.A., J.G. Lee and R.W. Flumerfelt, "Prediction of Cellular Structure in Free Expansion Polymer Foaming Processes," Polymer Engineering & Science, 36 (14), 1950-59 (1996).
3. Lee, J.G. and R.W. Flumerfelt, "A Refined Approach to Bubble Nucleation and Polymer Foam Processing: Dissolved Gas and Cluster Size Effects," J. Colloid & Interface Science, 184, 335-48 (1996).
4. Su, Y.Z. and R.W. Flumerfelt, "The Effect of Dissolved Gas on Foam Nucleation Rates in Polymer Melts," Annu. Tech. Conf - Society of Plastic Engineers, 54th, 1937-40 (1996).
5. Su, Y.Z. and R.W. Flumerfelt, "A Continuum Approach to Microscopic Surface Tension for the n-Alkanes," Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 35 (10), 3399-3402 (1997).
6. Shafi, M.A. and R.W. Flumerfelt, "Initial Bubble Growth in Polymer Foam Processes," Chem. Eng. Sci., 52 (4), 627-33 (1997).
7. Shafi, M.A., K. Joshi and R.W. Flumerfelt, "Bubble Size Distributions in Freely Expanded Polymer Foams," Chem. Eng. Sci., 52 (4), 635-44 (1997).

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