UW-Platteville Professor Helping To Produce Hand Sanitizer

Dr. James Hamilton, professor of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is working with the state of Wisconsin to produce tens of thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer to help protect communities from COVID-19. Hamilton is the owner of Photonic Cleaning Technology, LLC. His product, First Contact Polymer, cleans telescopes and high-powered laser optics.  According to Hamilton, some of the chemicals, bottles and packaging used for his business are similar to the solvents and additives which are used in hand sanitizer. To help with the mass production, Hamilton hired 12 new employees including six UW-Platteville students. The majority of the students have worked in Hamilton’s research lab on campus. To help with the production, Hamilton is able to use the building next to his business. The additional space allows for a larger gap of social distancing. The hand sanitizer can be purchased at Heiser Hardware in Platteville.