News Releases

JACKSON, Tenn. — June 22, 2001 — Manufacturers may soon have access to better-quality chemicals for their products, thanks to research being conducted by Union University chemistry professor Charles Baldwin in cooperation with the specialty chemical manufacturer Petroferm. He will present his findings at the upcoming International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) conference in Brisbane, Australia, July 1-6.

Dr. Charles Baldwin, pictured here with student Sonya Mitchell, will present his findings on modified siloxane compounds at the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry in Australia conference this summer.

Baldwin, who is the O.P and Evalyn Hammons University Professor of Pre-Medical Studies at Union, is studying modified siloxane compounds and their potential application for paints and waxes and plastic items found in furniture and automobile parts. With the assistance of two former students, Crockett County High School chemistry teacher Molly Escue and medical student Jeffrey Jones, Baldwin has determined that these types of compounds can be created in the lab with certain desired properties. This information will help to develop methods that will allow Petroferm to create these particular chemicals in bulk amounts which can then be marketed to manufacturers, giving them a choice for higher quality materials than what has been used in the past.

Baldwin said he considers the IUPAC conference he will present at to be “the Olympics” of the chemistry world and is looking forward to the opportunity.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, and definitely an unexpected pleasure,” said Baldwin.

The IUPAC is recognized as the world authority on chemical nomenclature, terminology, standardized methods for measurement, and other critically evaluated data. Baldwin’s trip is made possible by a travel grant from the Hammons Charitable Foundation to Union University.