Materials & Chemistry
Recent advances in chemistry enable molecular-level engineering of complex structures such as polymers, metals, ceramics, proteins and genes. Novel electrical, mechanical, optical and catalytic properties of nanostructured materials have garnered worldwide attention. Montgomery County, Virginia is home to a growing cluster of materials & chemistry firms. These companies are leveraging our lower costs of doing business, strong entrepreneurial networks, talented workforce, and access to highly specialized equipment and researchers at Virginia Tech to gain a competitive advantage in today's global, knowledge-based economy.
|
Industry Cluster
|
Estab.
|
Empl.
|
Avg. Salary
|
U.S. Avg.
|
|
Advanced Materials
|
209
|
1,722
|
$52,240
|
$65,942
|
|
Chemicals & Chemical Based Products
|
90
|
1,290
|
$48,411
|
$59,345
|
|
Glass & Ceramics
|
36
|
237
|
$33,295
|
$45,497
|
|
Total - All
|
335
|
3,249
|
$49,338
|
$62,719
|
Source: IBRC, The Role of Regional Clusters, 2008
Note: Cluster data for New River & Roanoke Valleys |
Alliant Techsystems, Inc. (Radford) - It is the largest provider of ammunition to US armed forces, and allied nations around the world. The company is a leading provider of advanced, affordable precision munitions and strike weapons that put firepower where it is needed while limiting the risk of collateral damage to non-combatants.
Corning, Inc. (Christiansburg) - A the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics.
Eaglepicher Wolverine, LLC (Blacksburg) - Produces and sells performance-critical, specialty elastomer coated metals used in gaskets for automotive & industrial applications; automotive brake noise insulators and NVH (noise, vibration & harshness) damping solutions for automotive and NSV (noise, shock & vibration) for consumer electronics applications.
Emisshield (Blacksburg) - Develops ceramic nanoparticle material with high emissivity and heat re-radiation capabilities.
Inorganic Ventures (Christiansburg) - Supplies analytical chemists with high quality certified reference material and quality calibration standards.
Polymer Solutions (Blacksburg) - is an independent ISO 17025 accredited, FDA registered, and DEA licensed laboratory that provides the world with premier technical solutions for molecular systems.
Prochem Inc. (Elliston) - Specializes in industrial water management systems, equipment, and supplies.
NanoSafe, Inc. (Blacksburg) - Helps nanotech organizations navigate emerging environmental health and safety (EHS) issues. We offer consulting, testing, and research and development services designed to accommodate a broad range of client needs.
Schultz-Creehan (Blacksburg) - Addresses complex product development challenges through expertise in materials science and industrial engineering.
Wessex, Inc (Blacksburg) - Commercializes thermal protective coatings that have use in a variey of industries providing energy savings, prolonging the life of substrates, and adhere to many ceramic materials and most metals.
Virginia Tech has high-level activities in the development of sensors for harsh environments, super-sensitive optical sensors, polymers and optical materials, and computer visualization/simulation of material microstructures. The university is a pioneer in developing "smart" materials, nanostructured materials, microelectronic materials, and coatings.
The Center for Intelligent Material Systems and Structures is focused on the design and modeling of devices to monitor the health of materials used in aerospace and civil structures and reduce vibration through the use of smart structures. Sponsors include NASA, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Lear Corporation, and NSF
The Center for Self-Assembled Nano Devices has achieved international prominence by creating novel molecules for nanotechnology applications. The focus is controlling supramolecular architecture (self-assembly) at the atomic and molecular level. Potential applications include: nano-composites, nano-robotics, new drugs and drug delivery systems, chemical catalysts, opto-electronic devices, biosensors, organic solar cells, and quantum computers. One spin-off company is exploring medical applications, such as more efficient MRI materials — a worldwide billion-dollar industry
Other related centers are:
Regional Materials & Chemistry Related Occupations (2008)
|
Occupation
|
Employed
|
Avg. Wage
|
U.S. Avg.
|
|
Metal and Plastics Related
|
|
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators
|
270
|
$16.90
|
$16.03
|
|
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
|
370
|
$12.71
|
$13.54
|
|
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders
|
50
|
$18.35
|
$14.83
|
|
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
|
170
|
$13.37
|
$14.31
|
|
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders
|
130
|
$13.59
|
$14.16
|
|
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
|
130
|
$13.69
|
$15.84
|
|
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
|
260
|
$14.28
|
$13.17
|
|
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
|
300
|
$11.90
|
$14.87
|
|
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
|
490
|
$14.60
|
$16.13
|
|
Chemistry Related
|
|
Chemical Technicians
|
90
|
$21.33
|
$20.25
|
|
Chemists
|
40
|
$22.73
|
$31.84
|
|
Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators
|
60
|
$16.81
|
$18.48
|
|
Total - All
|
2,190
|
$14.19
|
$16.28
|
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Note: Occupational Statistics for Blacksburg & Roanoke MSAs |
Materials & Chemistry Related Degrees Awarded from Area Universities and Colleges (2008-2009)
|
Program/Degree
|
Certificate
|
Bachelors
|
Masters
|
Doctor
|
|
Chemical Engineering
|
-
|
48
|
4
|
6
|
|
Chemistry, General
|
-
|
54
|
11
|
15
|
|
Industrial Engineering
|
-
|
120
|
49
|
22
|
|
Industrial Production Technicians
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Materials Engineering
|
-
|
23
|
5
|
4
|
|
Physics, General
|
-
|
20
|
9
|
2
|
|
Polymer/Plastics Engineering
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
7
|
|
Welding Technology/Welder
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Total Degrees Awarded
|
10
|
265
|
79
|
56
|
| Source: National Center for Education Statistics |
| Note: Statistics reflect degrees awarded from Virginia Tech, Radford University and New River Community College. |
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Montgomery County, VA is a progressive, technology-driven community with an abundance of lifestyle amenities. Nestled in the beautiful mountains of Virginia, along the I-81 Corridor, the County is home to Virginia Tech and the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Read More