Center for High Performance Polymeric Adhesives and Composites

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This award to the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI&SU) establishes a Science and Technology Center for High-Performance Polymeric Adhesives and Composites. The Director of the Center is Professor James E. McGrath. The Center for High-Performance Polymeric Adhesives and Composites focussess on the performance of these new materials by investigations into synthesis and characterization, processing (the development of adhesive bonds and the preparation of composites), interfacial phenomena (both fundamental surface science issues and tribology), and mechanical behavior of the composite structures. The integration of these major areas is designed to permit a concerted attack on major scientific problems, the goal being to provide the basis for developing improved materials with superior performance or manufacturing characteristics. Approximately 20 senior researchers from four academic departments at VPI&SU - namely Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Science and Mechanics, and Mechanical Engineering - participate in the Center activities. Chemists, engineers, and materials scientists work collaboratively in the Center to develop methods to understand and predict the performance of adhesively bonded and composite systems. A major goal is to provide a connection among molecular, interfacial, and micromechanical phenomena in polymeric systems and their macroscopic mechanical properties. Emphasis is being placed on new types of thermoplastic matrix materials for composites, which have the potential of providing better properties and facilitating the automated production of composites. Quantitative relationships between mechanical properties, interfacial chemistry and microstructure are sought to deal with the failure and fracture of adhesively bonded materials and predict their performance. Vigorous outreach programs with industry and with other colleges and universities, including minority institutions, form an important part of the Center's activities.