Our research group is interested in understanding molecular events that govern behaviors of adaptive, self-healing, and bioactive polymers as well as their interfaces. Starting from molecular building blocks, we develop polymeric systems with built-in responsiveness to physical and chemical stimuli. Current efforts are geared towards colloidal synthesis, particularly heterogeneous radical polymerization (HRP), self-healing polymers, and bioactive interfaces with antimicrobial properties, New advances in chemical imaging, along with an array of other spectroscopic and macroscopic analytical tools, allow us to create new generations of materials with dynamic functions, critical to future technological advances in medicine, energy, transportation, and homeland security. Examples of the recent studies are summarized in the images below. For more detailed information, please click on the text.
