Our major research interests are to
investigate the fundamental aspects of
processing polymers and polymeric composites
via melt and reactive resins in macro-,
micro-, and nano-scale 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 greatly 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
reactive paymers, such as thermostat resins,
functional hydrogels, and photoresists; and
thermoplastic polymers, such as engineering
plastics, biodegradable polymers, and
conductive polymers. In the latter case,
supercritical fluids are used as processing
aids to adjust polymer viscosity, surface
tension, chain diffusivity, and to serve as
foaming agents. |
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For composite 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. Synthesis and
dispension of nano-particles, 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. Examples include liquid
composite molding, compression molding of
sheet molding compounds (SMC), autoclave
curing of prepregs, and nanocomposite
foaming.
In addition to the more traditional
macromaterials and processes mentioned above,
we are also interested in polymer engineering
of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS).
This technology emerged from IC manufacturing
and is gaining applications in biomedical and
optical communications fields. In the nanoor
micron-size range, surface forces play
important roles. We need to re-examine the
transport equations as well as constitutive
relations. In BioMEMS, we are developing mass
production techniques for biochips,
biosensors, highly engineered micro- and
nanoparticles for drug delivery, cell-based
drug delivery devices, and 3-D tissue
scaffolds.
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