Our research focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of the molecular level processes that govern the macroscopic properties of polymeric materials, so that we can use this information to rationally design methods to create new materials with novel, targeted properties. With this overall goal in mind, our group is currently examining how we can modify the processes and materials of polymeric 3-D printing to create more precise and robust objects. Additive manufacturing, including 3-D printing, relies on the deposition of successive layers of materials to build up a three-dimensional object. 3-D printing of polymeric materials therefore requires an understanding of the structure, adhesion, and properties of the interfaces that exists between layers, as this can often be the “weak link in the chain” that controls the ultimate properties of the 3-D printed object. Our research in this area is focused on cultivating methods to understand the adhesion between layers on a molecular level and develop materials and processes to optimize this bonding process and structural robustness.
Similarly, our group is interested in developing chemistries and processes to manage the environmental and economic consequences of end-of-life plastics. An early first step to an ideal future with infinitely recyclable and/or degradable polymers must involve the development of depolymerization for current polymers in the environment and the waste stream. To realize these reclamation goals, we are interested in understanding the time-evolution of the depolymerization process, to capture intermediaries that can be used as starting materials to fabricate value-added materials. Our efforts focus on the formation of telechelic oligomers from the depolymerization process that can be used to create novel multiblock based thermoplastics to compete with current products, fabricate reactive compatibilizers to improve mechanical recycling of plastics, and to synthesize polymers with dynamic covalent bonds (e.g., vitrimers) that can compete with current plastics to form infinitely recyclable polymers in the future.