Thin Film Mechanics at RIT
Thin liquid films are essential to the manufacture of a wide array of industrially relevant products. A few examples of products that employ thin film technology are liquid crystal displays, CDs and DVDs, photographic films, pharmaceutical products, osmotic membranes for separations, adhesive tapes, and roofing materials. Self-assembly of solids in nanotechnology applications often involve thin films as an enabling step; such processes may be used to generate complex patterned substrates with remarkable properties. In other exacting products, such as photographic films, multiple liquid layers containing unique materials may be applied simultaneously to a substrate to generate complex products with customized features. Thin liquid films are also employed to enhance heat and mass transfer unit operations, and are relevant to many biological applications such as mass transport in the lungs. The thickness uniformity of the liquid layers is often paramount to the success of a given product or process, and the degree of sophistication required to achieve this uniformity depends on product specifications. The film and paper converting industry alone is over a $100 billion dollar business. RIT is now establishing a world class program for coating science different and distinguishable from other centers for coating science around the world. The program is run by Dr. Kenneth J. Ruschak and supported by Dr. Steven J. Weinstein, who have an international academic and industrial reputations in coating and a proven track records of solving industrial problems. RIT's program serves as both an academic and practical knowledge base in the creation, control, and manipulation of thin films. The program itself is addressing relevant industry problems and engaging students in the solution of those problems. RIT's program is a resource for industry training and consultation, research, student learning and coop opportunities, and will facilitate preparation of students for practically grounded industrial or academic careers.
For more information contact Dr. Kenneth Ruschak.