(614) 292-2408; lee.31@osu.edu

Education:

B.S., National Taiwan University, 1972

Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1979

Honors

Honorary Professorship, East China University of Science and Technology, 1997

Our major research interests are to investigate the fundamental aspects of processing polymers and polymeric composites via melt and reactive resins and to explore new technologies. Interactions among materials, processing conditions, and product properties are the key concerns. We carry out research through a combination of advanced material characterization, lab-scale molding experiments, and theoretical analysis.

In processing reactive resins and polymers, chemical reactions occur during processing, and the interaction of chemical and physical changes gre atly affects the physical properties of formed products. A thorough understanding of reaction kinetics, rheological changes, and morphology evolution is essential for developing new materials and optimizing manufacturing processes. We are interested in both thermoset resins, such as unsaturated polyester and vinylester based styrenic resins, crosslinkable acrylic resins, epoxy, urethanes, polyimides, and interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN); and thermoplastic polymers, such as reactive blending through twin-screw extrusion. In the latter case, supercritical fluids are used as processing aids to adjust polymer viscosity, surface tension, and chain diffusivity.

For compo site processing, our research extends from continuous fiber reinforcement to nanoparticle reinforced polymers. We are particularly interested in the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly manufacturing technologies. Fluid flow and fiber wetting during filling, heat transfer and fiber-matrix bonding during curing, and the effect of macro- and micro-changes on the properties of molded composites are the major research issues. Exam ples include liquid composite molding processes, such as resin transfer molding (RTM), structural reaction injection molding (SRIM), and injection-pultrusion; and sheet molding processes, such as compression molding of sheet molding compounds (SMC) and autoclave curing of prepregs.

In addition to the more traditional macro-materials and processes mentioned above, we are also interested in the engineering of micro-systems based on nanocomposites. This technology emerged from IC manufacturing and is gaining applications in other fields. In the nano- or micron-size range, surface forces play important roles. We need to re-examine the transport equations as well as the boundary conditi ons. For nanoparticle reinforced polymeric materials, the constitutive relation may also need to be redefined.