(256e) Small Molecule Transport in Polymers

This presentation will discuss the fundamentals of small molecule transport in polymers and then focus on applications that have been of particular interest to our group during the past 20+ years.  Topics to be discussed include gas separation using polymers, water purification using polymers, and the development of polymer-based surface treatments to enhancing fouling reduction in oil/water separation.  Areas where the materials concepts studied in my group have been reduced to practice will be highlighted.  Much of the work has been collaborative in nature and cross-disciplinary, and specific examples of problems undertaken with the help of cross-disciplinary teams will be emphasized.  Finally, some avenues for future work in the field will be discussed, as much remains to be done to fully understand the fundamentals and derive the most benefit possible from polymers or polymer-based materials for separations and barrier applications.  Throughout the presentation, the contributions of collaborators as well as current and former students will be highlighted.