The Macromolecular Processing and Engineering Unit in the Department of Chemical Engineering has one of the largest polymer engineering groups in the world. Their research expertise spans the entire range of polymer science and engineering, from polymer reaction chemistry and engineering, to the chemical modification of polymers, processing and rheology, and polymer nanocomposites (see Figure 1). 

Existing strengths include polymer reaction engineering, the mathematical modelling of polymer processes, determining polymerization kinetics and mechanisms (see Figure 2), the chemical modification of polymers (reactive extrusion chemistry and techniques, in particular), and understanding polymer rheology with respect to its role in plastics processing. 

Group members have received a number of awards, including a Syncrude Canada Innovation Award, two Premier’s Research Excellence Awards (PREA), a Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) Medal for Research and Development, and the Morand Lambla Award of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS). The group also includes two fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE) and two fellows of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), one current research chair and a former Ontario Research Chair, and is funded by a large number of industrial sponsors and research grants. 

Starch nanoparticles are modified to be renewably-sourced, biodegradable replacements for conventional petroleum-based polymers
Figure 1: Starch nanoparticles are modified to be renewably-sourced, biodegradable replacements for conventional petroleum-based polymers.
Researchers have developed specialized techniques to measure and model the kinetics of existing and emerging polymerization processes
Figure 2: Researchers have developed specialized techniques to measure and model the kinetics of existing and emerging polymerization processes and products, with a focus on increased efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

Researchers in this group:

Visit the website →