Dr. Raymond Flumerfelt
Professor EmeritusIn recent years we have been developing fundamental knowledge and process technologies for controlled structure processing of cellular materials. We have been particularly interested in the production of lightweight polymer foams and composites. Utilizing new generation polyolefins, polyimides, and biodegradable polymers, and by altering the basic processes of nucleation, bubble growth, and film stability, it is possible to obtain a full spectrum of lightweight composites with varied temperature, strength, electrical, and other properties. These materials have a variety of applications in the consumer, electronic, and construction industries.
Current projects and interests include:
- Development of next generation simulators for free expansion and extrusion processing of cellular materials
- High pressure extrusion processing and the development and use of environmentally benign blowing agents
- Enhancement of nucleation in low surface energy materials through heterogeneous nucleators derived from plasma surface treatments
- Rheological behavior of base polymers with dissolved blowing agents
- Advanced modeling and analysis of viscoelastic film drainage and stability
- Replacement of stable polymer foam systems with biodegradable products for packaging and consumer applications
2001: NASA Honor Medal for Civilian Public Service
2000: Elizabeth D. Rockwell Chair
1993: Engineering Nominee, Outstanding University Administrator (TAMU)
1989: Outstanding Professor, Chemical Engineering (TAMU)
1984: Visiting NSF Scholar/Professor, Japan
1980, 1982: Best Fundamental Paper Awards, AICHE, STS
1972-1990: Outstanding Teacher Citations
1963-1966: Walter P. Murphy Procter & Gamble Fellow
Honorary Societies: Tau Beta Pi, Omega Chi Epsilon, Sigma Xi
Professional Societies: AIChE, ACS, AIME SPE, Society of Rheology
National Board, Southeastern Consortium for Minorities in Engineering (SECME)
Texas Engineering Deans Council; TSPE Education Advisory Committee
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
- Shafi, M.A. and R.W. Flumerfelt, “Initial Bubble Growth in Polymer Foam Processes,” Chem. Eng. Sci., 52 (4), 627-33, 1997
- Shafi, M.A., K. Joshi and R.W. Flumerfelt, “Bubble Size Distributions in Freely Expanded Polymer Foams,” Chem. Eng. Sci., 52 (4), 635-44, 1997
- Su, Y.Z. and R.W. Flumerfelt, “A Continuum Approach to Microscopic Surface Tension for the n-Alkanes,” Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 35 (10), 3399-3402, 1997
- Lee, J.G. and R.W. Flumerfelt, “A Refined Approach to Bubble Nucleation and Polymer Foam Processing: Dissolved Gas and Cluster Size Effects,” J. Colloid & Interface Science, 184, 335-48, 1996
- Shafi, M.A., J.G. Lee and R.W. Flumerfelt, “Prediction of Cellular Structure in Free Expansion Polymer Foaming Processes,” Polymer Engineering & Science, 36 (14), 1950-59, 1996
- Su, Y.Z. and R.W. Flumerfelt, “The Effect of Dissolved Gas on Foam Nucleation Rates in Polymer Melts,” Annu. Tech. Conf - Society of Plastic Engineers, 54th, 1937-40, 1996
- Lee, J.G. and R.W. Flumerfelt, “Nitrogen Solubilities in Low Density Polyethylene at High Temperatures and Pressures,” J. Appl. Polymer Sci., 58, 2213-19, 1995