The Center of Excellence in Polymer Chemistry’s mission is to become a leading research center in the study of polymer chemistry.
About Our Center
The University of Houston’s Center of Excellence in Polymer Chemistry (CEPC) was established in 2017 with a generous gift from the Welch Foundation and matching funds from the University of Houston. CEPC, located in the Science and Teaching Laboratory Building, is part of the Department of Chemistry. The Center houses a core facility and includes several interdisciplinary research groups.
Our members are conducting a wide range of cutting-edge research addressing current challenges in:
- Sustainability
- Recycling
- Materials Development and Methodology
Our Mission
CEPC researchers are working to:
- Improve polymer properties (aka ‘plastics’)
- Develop new polymer catalysts and methodologies
- Develop depolymerization strategies
- Repurpose and upcycle polymers
Uses and Properties of Polymers
Polymers are the most widely used modern materials with applications ranging from classical packaging, coatings, and textiles to biomedical devices and implants. Polymers can be prepared that are durable, elastic, fire-resistant, impact-resistant, and/or chemically resistant. Because of their tunable properties, polymers are in high demand in transport and energy applications.