Paul Ragogna is sticking by his current research – or perhaps we should say ‘not sticking.’
The University of Western Ontario Chemistry professor’s work in synthesizing new molecules with unique repelling qualities has earned a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERC) Strategic Project grant.
Paul Ragogna
Announced Monday by Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear, Ragogna, along with a second project led by Faculty of Engineering professor Greg Kopp, will share $310,000, part of $53.5 million unveiled for 122 projects across Canada.
Ragogna’s work provides insight into the way molecules are held together, a study that offers potential usefulness in developing new water-resistant surfaces. Ragogna won the John Polanyi Prize in 2005.
“These molecules have the very uncanny ability to repel water and oils with great efficacy,” says Ragogna, comparing it to a highly sophisticated version of a non-stick frying pan.
“It has the ability to be used in the high-tech industry in coating electronics and coating other surfaces that would be subject to environmental wear.”
By identifying compounds with unusual properties, as well as chemical processes that are less detrimental to the environment, the research willl have a significant impact in the area of polymer sciences and “green” chemistry.
Ragogna’s research is targeting needs in the high-tech electronics industry, for example the organic light-emitting diodes used in cell phones, watches, solar cells and billboards.
“You want these devices to be able to withstand our outside environment,” he says. “A lot of what’s difficult in making these things is they are very susceptible to water and water vapour. So if we can keep that out, then these things stand a chance of functioning.”
Ragogna adds the possibility to extend this research into other areas is wide open.
“You could envision this being in any sort of application that could be a spray-coated surface,” he says, noting his research is in the early stages. A commercial application may be five years down the road.
“We have some real targets in mind so that’s what we’re shooting for, but hopefully we can make some interesting fundamental discoveries along the way, which may send us down another tributary.”
With the NSERC funding, Kopp will conduct full-scale testing of wood frame failures in severe windstorms to gain information on how to build safer, more durable structures.
