Biography
Biography: Mahdi M Abu-Omar
Abstract
Polymers have truly transformed our way of life from electronics to food packaging. Annual production of polyolefins alone isrnprojected to grow to nearly 170 billion kg by 2018. Phenolic resins are another family of polymers and oligomers composedrnof a wide range of structures based on the various reaction products of phenols with formaldehyde. Applications vary fromrncommodity construction materials to high technology applications in electronics and aerospace. Worldwide consumption ofrnphenolic resins exceeds 10 million tons; the largest volume application is in plywood adhesives and accounts for ca. 50% ofrnU.S. consumption. Given that both of these major polymer classes are derived from petroleum-based monomers and withrnincreasing environmental constraints, major opportunities can be explored in research and commercialization for making highrnperformance materials from renewable sources. Potential approaches for making polymers with outstanding durability andrnease of formability to complex contours will be discussed; and how monomers that do not compete with food can be utilizedrnand expanded. A balance to meet performance, sustainability, and biodegradability must be considered.
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