(311d) Beyond TIPS (Thermally Induced Phase Separation)

Thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) is a membrane formation process in which phase separation is caused by large temperature gradients between a polymer - solvent solution at an elevated temperature (here the solvent is called a diluent), and a casting surface at a much lower temperature. Sequentially, a second solvent will be used to extract the diluent trapped during the phase separation process to generate various microporous structures. Among the advantages of TIPS process are: 1) enabling membrane fabrication from of a wide spectrum of polymers that can not be dissolved by any solvent at room temperature;  2) the capability of creating final membrane microstructures by tuning the casting surface temperature alone. 

As one of three of my Ph.D. advisors, there is no doubt that Prof. Bill Krantz is one of the most influential people in my academic career. Working with Bill has taught me not only how to model a physical system and how to use the material science and engineering background and knowledge to various fields, but how not to limit oneself to one field or one narrow area. In this presentation I will share the positions I held in industry as well as a couple of my ongoing research projects at University of Wyoming that is based on materials and membrane technology. I hope that my career path, enriched by working with Prof. Bill Krantz, will help current graduate students in the membrane science and technology field envision the diverse opportunities that lie ahead of.