Institute of Applied Materials (IAM)

The Institute of Applied Materials strives for excellence in both teaching and research. It offers a postgraduate programme, with a varity of  modules. The Insitute has a stong research record, with its members having published numerous books as well as articles on a wide of topics in national and international journals.  

Part of the Institute's vision is to prepare and complete individuals who are to play an active role in the commercial world.

 

SARChI Chair in Fluoro-materials Science and Process Integration 

The SARChI Chair in Fluoro-materials Science and Process Integration was established in the Department of Chemical Engineering in 2007, and has been functioning under the IAM umbrella since 2010. Current research includes: the development of a fluoro-polymer capability in South Africa with a focus on PTFE, PVDF, FEP, and PFA, sponsored by the Fluorochemical Expansion Initiative (FEI); dry fluorination of inorganic materials; modelling of fluorine electrolysis cells; various projects of interest to the Advanced Metals Initiative (AMI) relating to fluoride-based minerals processing; high-temperature processes for the production of high-values products directly form fluorspar. The Chair works in close collaboration with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Pelchem.