Polymers & Composite Materials
This class of materials includes synthetic macromolecules, as well as composites, which are constituted from two or more materials that result in unique and superior properties when combined. Researchers from the Departments of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical & Materials Engineering and Physics & Astronomy have come together as members of CAMBR to engage in a broad range of study including, for example, establishing the links between the microscopic structure and bulk properties of complex fluids and designing and synthesising inorganic and polymeric materials with potentially desirable conducting, magnetic, redox, and sensing properties to the development of novel functional materials.
Researchers
Kim Baines
Email
Chemistry Building, Rm. 120A/310A
519 661-2111 ext 83122/86302
synthesis, characterization
Multiply-bonded compounds of silicon and germanium have proven to be powerful building blocks in organometallic chemistry just as alkenes and alkynes are in organic synthesis and polymer chemistry. The importance of alkenes in organic polymers is undisputed. Recently, Dr. Baines has discovered a new approach to
John de Bruyn
Email
Physics& Astronomy Building, Rm. 230
519 661-2111 ext 86430
Rheology and microrheology of polymers, nanocomposites, gels, and other soft materials.
Dr. de Bruyn's research aims to establish the links between the microscopic structure and bulk properties of complex fluids. He uses shear rheometry, dynamic light scattering, microscopy, and other techniques to study the microstructure and viscoelastic properties of complex fluids on both the microscopic and bulk scales. He also studies flow and
Joe Gilroy
Email
Material Science Addition, Rm. 3201
519 661-2111 ext 81561
functional materials, metal- and radical-containing polymers, coordination chemistry, nanoparticle synthesis & catalysis, photovoltaic materials, redox shuttles.
Dr. Gilroy's research is centered around the design and synthesis of inorganic and polymeric materials with potentially desirable conducting, magnetic, redox, and sensing properties. His research has both fundamental and applied aspects, with a long-term goal of making a significant impact
Frank Henning
Email
Fraunhofer Project Centre for Composites Research, London, ON
+49-721-4640-420 or 519-636-0742
Composite materials, wet compression molding, HP-RTM, in-line compounding of
Andrew H. Hrymak
Email
Spencer Engineering Building, Rm 2008
519-661-2128
Polymer processing, computer simulation.
Dr. Hrymak is interested in problems with complex rheology, multiple phases
Jeffrey Hutter
Email
Physics & Astronomy Building, Rm. 209
519-661-2111 ext 86719
Atomic force microscopy, mechanical properties of nanomaterials, crystal growth and kinetic inhibitors, biomineralization, viscoelastic properties of hydrogels.
Dr. Hutter is interested in studying materials and processes at the nanometer level. This includes measuring the mechanical properties of nanofibres by atomic-force microscopy, real-time in-situ studies of the inhibition of biomineralization by specific proteins, and probing the structure of hydrogels and complex fluids using neutron scattering. Active collaborations at Western involve researchers in Engineering and the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, as well as in the Faculty of Science.
Takashi Kuboki
Email
Claudette Mackay-Lassonde Pavilion, Rm. 1306
519 661-2111 ext 88519
Polymer composites; biocomposites; nanocomposites; biopolymers; plastic foaming.
Dr. Kuboki’s primary research interests are in the areas of process-structure-property relationships of materials, and development of novel functional materials. The materials include synthetic and natural
Paul Ragogna
Email
Biology & Geological Sciences, Rm. 2024
519-661-2111 ext 87048
UV-curing; hydrophobic surfaces; highly fluorinated phosphonium salts; highly metallated polymers; side chain functionalized polymers; diblock copolymers.
Functional polymeric materials have a wide range of established and potential commercial applications. From electrical conductivity, light emission or as barrier films, designer macromolecules play an important role in addressing these and related technological challenges. In this context, the Ragogna group is interested in two particular areas of polymer/functional materials chemistry; (i) Designing surfaces with a high degree of water repellency (superhydrophobicity) that utilize low-cost starting materials, are UV curable and applied in a single coat application process; and, (ii) Side chain functionalized cobalt containing metallopolymers and diblock copolymers, with a high degree of tuneability with respect to the chemical substituents around the cobalt centre.
J. T. Wood
Email
Alexander Charles Spencer Engineering Building, Rm. 3061
519 661-2111 ext 83482
Structure-property relationships, mechanical testing, energy absorption.
Dr. Wood's research is focused on the characterization and application of lightweight structural materials, primarily for automotive applications. Current research projects include the development of process-structure-property relationships for die-cast magnesium alloys and understanding the factors that contribute to the enhanced toughness of polymer composites.