Recent Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy's Center of Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science

Abstract

The Center of Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science (CE ³ S) was established at the University of Detroit Mercy in 1992 by a multi-million dollar block grant from the EPA. Since then, industry has supported CE ³ S research efforts with over $1.5 million of support. The focus of the Center's studies is on polymers, and includes studies on recycling hard-to-recycle polymers (thermosetting composites, foams, tire rubber, mixed plastics, etc.), polymers from renewable resources, biodegradable polymers and use of polymers to treat hazardous wastes. A feasibility study on aluminum toxicity was also carried out. Highlights of the Center's achievements in the first year are reviewed in this paper.