Shape and structure dictate a polymer material’s behavior—how strong it is, how flexible, how responsive to temperature and even whether it can conduct electricity. From the molecular shape itself—star, comb or brush—to how those molecules are arranged, our researchers are finding new ways to build polymers to unlock coveted properties that will provide the foundation for innovations like thermo-responsive coatings, next-generation smart devices, synthetic neurons, and many others.
Institutes, centers and labs related to Polymer Structure and Properties
Faculty who conduct research in Polymer Structure and Properties
Eric Baer
Develops processing-structure-property relationships in polymeric systems; creates micro- and nano-layered films; and produces biomimetic hierarchical structures of soft materials
Michael Hore
Combines experiments, theory and simulation to study fundamental problems in the polymer physics of grafted and non-linear polymers
Hatsuo Ishida
Develops advanced benzoxazine resins, thermosetting resins based on natural renewable materials and green flame retarding systems
Joao Maia
Develops multi-scale, complex polymer-based materials, using both experimental and computational-based tools
Ica Manas-Zloczower
Engineering new materials and technologies for industrial applications
David Schiraldi
Develops bio-based, flame-retarded plastics, polymer aerogels and packaging materials; and studies properties of polyesters
Gary Wnek
Develops advanced polymers for packaging, biomaterial applications and more.
Lei Zhu
Develops high-energy and high-performance polymers based on close relationships among structure, property and processing