Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry hosts European researchers

27 Aug 2024

The Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry (CRAC) was a hive of activity this summer, hosting visitors from several European countries at its atmospheric simulation chamber facility.

Dr Maarten Kieft, CEO of Luper Technologies based in the Netherlands, and PhD student Merve Polat from the National Research Centre for the Working Environment in Denmark, conducted a 3-week programme of simulation chamber experiments on the atmospheric oxidation of benzene and naphthalene to help unravel some of the complex chemistry associated with these important air pollutants. The research will support the development of Luper's Air Shield technology for reducing air pollution from asphalt production plants.

Dr Williams Esteve and Dr Sophie Tomaz, from the French National Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases, carried out some highly novel experiments in the simulation chamber to assess the potential atmospheric processing of fire-retardant coatings on surfaces. The research will be used to assess the potential health implications arising from degradation of fire retardants such as triphenyl phosphate in the workplace and other environments.

The researchers were hosted by the CRAC team led by Prof John Wenger and Prof Andy Ruth. Transnational access to the Centre’s unique research facility was supported through the European Union Horizon 2020 project ATMO ACCESS.