How To Apply
Interested in participating in this research project? Contact the professor or graduate student listed below.
Professor
Dr. James M. Eagan (Department of Polymer Science) | eagan@uakron.edu
Graduate Student
Abhishek Banerjee | ab354@uakron.edu
Project Description
Plastic waste recycling is plagued by imperfect sorting processes which leaves recycling feeds contaminated with polymers of different molecular composition. These blends have thermodynamic driving forces to phase separate and entropic forces which produce weak interfaces between the materials. As a result, mechanical strength of the materials is very poor and recycled plastics behave as brittle low value scrap. This project investigates the use of novel compatibilizer materials to reinforce these interfaces and transform waste plastic into ductile high-value plastics. Key skill-sets you will develop include, chemical synthesis, air-free techniques, polymer blending, and tensile testing. Completion of organic chemistry and laboratory classes is mandatory.
Project Dates
Summer 2020, Fall 2021
Search Terms
Advanced Materials, Chemistry, Sustainability, For Credit, STEM