The National Polymer Innovation Center (NPIC) is a facility at the leading edge of polymer advanced manufacturing specializing in functional multilayer film processing and advanced materials development for applications in electronics, coatings, membranes, optical, biomedical, and specialty products. Supporting industry, national laboratories and the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at The University of Akron, NPIC features pilot scale roll-to-roll film manufacturing lines that produce films with a wide range of functionalities including development of novel solutions to industry challenges in nanocomposites, membranes, biomaterials, coatings, and adhesives. Capabilities also include a range of metrology tools to characterize functionality of these films in end use conditions as well as analysis for industry requests. NPIC serves as a hub for faculty members, graduate students, and research partners from industry and national laboratories working cooperatively to provide solutions to emerging challenges in the areas of health, energy, and sustainability.
We offer Cast Film Coextrusion, Electromagnetic Processing, Hybrid Solution Casting, Electric Injection Molding, UV/IR Curing, Biaxial Stretching, 3D Printing, Nanoimprint Lithography and more!
NPIC is also capable of pilot scale operation and scale up/commercialization across multiple pieces of equipment.
We offer X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Auger Electron Spectroscopy, X-Ray Micro Computed Tomography, X-Ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy and more!