National and global environmental effects of manufacturing operations require the development of alternative, environmentally benign technologies. Although this is true in essentially all industrial sectors, one of the greatest needs is in chemical manufacturing. This industrial sector is prominent in the American economy, having consistently maintained a positive trade balance. In order to preserve the dominance and global competitiveness of this industry, however, it is recognized that the development and implementation of waste-free environmentally benign processes are needed. Such environmentally conscious processing alternatives can only result from the development of innovative technologies and through the education and training of scientists and engineers who can integrate technological advances and environmental considerations with the goal of economic development. Five doctoral traineeships in Environmentally Conscious Chemical Manufacturing (ECCM) are requested in this proposal. The training program will be based on coursework and research leasing to the conception of innovative technologies capable of reducing the harmful environmental impact of chemical process operations. This training program emphasized pollution prevention, not waste treatment or environmental restoration. A diverse group of students will be recruited for the proposed traineeships through programs which can be effective in bringing women and minorities to this critical area.
