Polymer Synthesis and Molecular Design

Tiny changes in polymer chemistry can yield big results in material performance. We are fine-tuning the building blocks of polymer chains to create entirely new monomers and molecular structures to solve a variety of challenges in fields from medicine to electronics to advanced energy.

Institutes, centers and labs related to Polymer Synthesis and Molecular Design

Liming Dai's Group

Develops controlled macromolecules and methods to synthesize fine nanomaterials, and studies the material hazards.

Advincula Research Group

Develops ultrathin or superhydrophobic film coatings, packaging films using nanocomposites and other needs of the oil and gas industry.

Hore Research Group

Uses theory, simulation and experimentation to study physical phenomena in polymeric systems

Faculty who conduct research in Polymer Synthesis and Molecular Design

Michael Hore

Warren E. Rupp Associate Professor

Associate Professor, Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Combines experiments, theory and simulation to study fundamental problems in the polymer physics of grafted and non-linear polymers

Hatsuo Ishida

Peter A. Asseff, PhD Professor of Organic Chemistry

Distinguished Research Professor

Professor, Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Develops advanced benzoxazine resins, thermosetting resins based on natural renewable materials and green flame retarding systems

Valentin Rodionov

Assistant Professor, Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Investigates catalysis with soft materials: catalytic surfactants and polymers; complex macromolecular architectures for bio-inspired catalysis; and ligand-mediated nanocatalysis

Gary Wnek

Department Chair, Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Joseph F. Toot, Jr., Professor of Engineering