Interfacial performance analysis for polymer and polymer composite systems
Research Group Expertise & Capabilities for R&D Collaboration Polymer Composite Design & Fabrication
Development of polymer composites incorporating crystalline and amorphous organic particles as well as inorganic particulate additives. Extensive experience with biopolymer matrices, especially cellulose‑based systems.
Additional capability working with conventional polymers including LDPE and polypropylene. Structural, Chemical & Crystallographic Characterization
Fourier‑transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for detailed molecular and chemical structure analysis of polymer–particle composites. X‑ray diffraction (XRD) for characterization of crystalline phases and assessment of particle‑ and matrix‑level crystallography. Morphological & Microstructural Analysis
Electron microscopy for surface morphology evaluation, particle dispersion mapping, and quantitative particle size distribution analysis. Moisture Sorption & Environmental Response Evaluation
Dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) to measure water vapor adsorption/desorption kinetics, equilibrium moisture content, and water–polymer interactions. Thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) with humidity control to quantify dimensional changes under coupled humidity and temperature loading, enabling assessment of particle–matrix interfacial responses. Thermal Properties & Phase Behavior
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to determine how embedded particles affect thermal transitions, phase stability, and composite thermomechanical behavior. Integrated Interfacial Phenomena Analysis Combined DVS, TMA, DSC, XRD, and microscopy capabilities enable:
Quantitative assessment of particle–matrix interfacial stability. Evaluation of moisture‑driven changes in mechanical, structural, and thermal performance. Identification of particle‑related effects such as aggregation, dispersion stability, and environmental degradation.
About University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is a large, comprehensive public research university in Tuscaloosa with a broad research portfolio and a strong pipeline of undergraduate and graduate talent. Industry engages through a centralized corporate partnership office that streamlines sponsored research and standard agreements. On‑campus prototyping and materials characterization facilities, shared cores, and project spaces support collaboration; a well‑established co‑op and internship program connects companies with students year‑round. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, DOE, DoD, and NIH. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup support, and coordinates with regional economic development partners near the state’s automotive manufacturing corridor.
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