Print
NSERC Innovation Award for Chemical Engineering Researcher
October 20, 2009
Wei Chen, a researcher and recent PhD graduate in the Department of Chemical Engineering, was awarded a $5,000 second place prize in the NSERC Innovation Challenge Awards on October 19 at a gala ceremony in Ottawa.
The NSERC Innovation Challenge Awards honour graduate students who have demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit by identifying ways in which their research thesis results can be developed into products or services.
Dr. Chen has invented a new chemical additive that increases the wet-web strength of paper while preserving recyclability and using less water than is typical in the paper making industry. It provides a potential green solution to address the critical issue of wet-web paper breakage.
This invention could have major implications for recycling. Much less energy would be required to recycle paper products made with boronic acid-based additives compared to products made with traditional additives.
Helge Seetzen of the University of British Columbia won the $10 000 grand prize, and James She of the University of Waterloo also received a $5000 runner-up prize. Seven other researchers each received a $1500 honourable mention award.
