Professor and associate dean of undergraduate engineering

BS, chemical engineering, 1965 University of Cincinnati

MS, macromolecular science, 1967

PhD, macromolecular science, 1970 Case Western Reserve University

Contact Info

 

Novel polymer solids; Materials selection

     Our emphasis is on showing how new polymeric materials can be created by selective control over preparation conditions and microstructure at both the molecular and supramolecular levels.

     One project involves creating thermosetting resins with superior properties. These improvements include graded properties and anomalously high values of toughness or hardness. Microstructure, both that if the macromolecular network and that of dispersed phases (size ranging from tens of nanometers to tens of micrometers), is controlled through the chemical formulation of the system and the cure cycle employed. Dispersed phases of interest range from nanocrystalline minerals to elastomeric polymers that are soluble in the initial resin system. Macromolecular networks are varied by control over the distribution of chain segments between junction points; this is accomplished either through the reactive species used or the chosen sequence for vitrefication and gelation.

     Another project focuses on the self-compatibilization of a multicomponent polymer mix that can be accomplished by the "solid state shear pulverization" process. This process uses a twin screw extruder operated so as to avoid fusion of the in-process material. One benefit of this process lies in making high value-added alloys from postconsumer recycled plastics. The key to optimizing this process is control over the mechano-chemistry and the dispersion of constituents occurring during passage through the equipment.

Associations and Awards

Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award, University of Cincinnati, 1993

Fellow, American Physical Society, 1983; American Society for Metals (ASM), 1992

Ralph A. Teetor Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers as an outstanding engineering educator, 1980

Selected Publications

Influence of cure via network structure on mechanical properties of a free-radical polymerizing thermoset[with M. Ganglani and J. M. Torkelson]. Polymer 43: 2747-60 (2002).

Solid-State Shear Pulverization: A New Polymer Processing and Powder Technology [with K. Khait].Lancaster, PA: Technomics (2001).

Trace levels of mechanochemical effects in pulverized polyolefins [with M. Ganglani, J. M. Torkelson, and K. Khait]. J. Appl. Polymer Sci. 80: 671-79 (2001).