University of Akron breaks ground for $13 million polymer center

Stephen Cheng, dean of the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at the University of Akron in Ohio, speaks at the official groundbreaking of the school's National Polymer Innovation Center. Looking on is Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic. (Plastics News photo by Bill Bregar)

Site preparation work actually began in mid-August at the 42,750-square-foot innovation center, which will be located next door to UA’s Polymer Engineering Academic Center and the Department of Polymer Engineering.

Housing 10 laboratories and a high-bay manufacturing area, the National Polymer Innovation Center will collaborate with industry on health, energy and the environment.

UA President Luis Proenza said the center will help create high-paying new jobs in Ohio and around the world. Faculty, students and industry partners will conduct research on emerging areas such as biopolymers, biosensors, bio-devices, nanotechnology, and the fabrication of photovoltaic and membrane materials.

After the groundbreaking ceremony, Proenza said 28 new companies have started in the last five years using research developed at the University of Akron.

The National Polymer Innovation Center will work with UA’s new Austen BioInnovation Institute, a partnership between UA and three local hospitals to develop medical technology.

Both will position Akron as a leader in biomaterials, Proenza said. Research at the university already has helped develop an artificial pancreas, polymeric drug delivery technology and wound healing bandages, he said.

Stephen Cheng, dean of the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, said the university is holding its own during the economic downturn that has forced other universities to cut positions.

“We work very, very hard to make this program No. 1 in the United States and the world,” Cheng said, as workers operated earth-moving equipment in the fenced-off construction site.

These are heady days at the University of Akron. The National Polymer Innovation Center will be the 16th new building in the past decade. The Monday groundbreaking followed the first football game at the university’s new InfoCision Stadium.

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