Dr. Isayev won Mooney Award from ACS Rubber Division

Avraam I. Isayev, professor of polymer engineering at the University of Akron, is the winner of the Melvin Mooney Distinguished Technology Award for research leading to improvements in injection molding of rubber products and research into recycling scrap tires. Isayev's research on rubber and injection molding led to the development of software that many manufacturers use today to calculate temperature, pressure, and curing parameters for making injection-molded rubber parts. Addressing the environmental issues surrounding scrap tires, Isayev has constructed a machine in his laboratory at the University of Akron Polymer Engineering Institute that uses high-power ultrasound to break the chemical bonds of tire rubber, devulcanizing it and making it recyclable. His machine can devulcanize 50 lb of tires per hour in a continuous process. The technology has the potential for solving an environmental problem of worldwide significance. For winning the award, Isayev received $3,000 and free lifetime Rubber Division affiliate membership. The award was established in 1983 to perpetuate the memory of Melvin Mooney, inventor of the Mooney Viscometer and other testing equipment. Sponsored by Uniroyal Chemical, it is given to recognize an ACS Rubber Division member who has exhibited exceptional technical competency by making significant repeated contributions to rubber science and technology.