A chemical engineer at Michigan State University received the 2018 Peter Debye Prize for Young Investigators in Dielectric Research by the International Dielectric Society. Shiwang Cheng, assistant professor of chemical engineering and materials science, was recognized for his significant results on polymer nanocomposites.
The presentation was made during the International Dielectric Society’s Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy Conference in Brussels, Belgium, from Aug. 26-31.
Cheng has developed a working protocol providing quantitative analysis of the interfacial dynamics, characteristic thickness of the interfacial layer, its temperature variations, dependence on chain rigidity, molecular weight and nanoparticle size.
In addition, Cheng aims to utilize his newly developed protocols to address many emerging environment, energy and manufacturing challenges, where the interfacial properties play essential roles, such as gas separation, energy storage and additive manufacturing.
Donald Morelli, chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, said Cheng is establishing important new capabilities in polymers and composites research in his laboratory at MSU.
“We are very proud of his accomplishments and it is a great honor for the department and the university to receive this international recognition,” Morelli said.