ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, September 3, 1996 TAG: 9609040128
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SANDRA BROWN KELLY
Who says scientists and engineers are nerdy? Certainly no one who reads the title of Friday's lecture planned at the Roanoke Valley Graduate Center in downtown Roanoke.
Dr. James P. Wightman, chemistry professor at Virginia Tech, promises that from noon to 1 p.m. he will answer: "Why Does the Handle Keep Falling Off My Coffee Cup?"
Wightman was Virginia's Outstanding Scientist for 1994, has an award from NASA for contributions to adhesion science and is co-author of 144 technical publications.
Apparently no one really can predict just how long glue will keep something stuck, and that's what Wightman will discuss. He also will talk about the variety of uses for adhesives from aircraft construction and dam repair to baby diapers and tooth restoration.
Be forewarned, however, that his currect research is focused on determining the characteristics of the interphase so some of his lecture may be rated "H" - for hard.
Here's an example, taken from the center's news release on the subject: "The interphase is the region bounded by the bulk properties of the substrate and the bulk properties of the adhesive. This critical region often controls the mechanical response and long-term durability of an adhesively bonded structure." and find out what this means. Soft drinks are furnished.
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