Date:  March 12, 2009
Time:  2:00 p.m.
Place:  104 Textile Building

Rafael Camargo
Manager of CoreScience USA
Polyurethane Division; Huntsman

Camargo has been part of the polyurethanes field for more than 20 years and has served multiple technical and commercial roles. He is author and co-author of numerous publications in the field. Camargo received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellin, Colombia, and his doctoratea doctoral degree in chemical engineering and materials science from the University of Minnesota.

Camargo's presentation will give an overview of the chemistry, applications, materials and challenges in further creating ideas for polyurethane research and development, from academia to industrial applications. The term polyurethanes applies to a large family of polymers, such as thermoplastics; high-strength, full -density materials; and lightweight foams used for furniture and insulation. The adaptation and various applications of these products create a challenge to chemists, polymer scientists and engineers.