A bi-weekly event to present and discuss issues related to developments, applications and commercialization of nanotechnology.

Nanocomposites: New Materials and New Paradigms

Speakers: Dr. Michelle Londa
Research Professor
Texas State University

(VIDEO CONFERENCED FROM THE AUSTIN OFFICE OF WINSTEAD)

Abstract: Nanotechnology is the study and engineering of materials with dimensions measuring less than one tenth of a millionth of a meter, and it is recognized as one of the most important technological developments for the 21st century. To drive this development, the National Nanotechnology Initiative has increased its budget from $464 MM in 2001 to $1,054 MM in 2006, which is an increase of 127% over 5 years. Although NSF, DOE and DOD support fundamental research across all disciplines of science, many believe that more emphasis is needed on engineering along with basic research.
Important among these new nanoscale materials are nanocomposites, in which one constituent that has dimensions on the nanometer scale is mixed with other material(s). Texas State University is currently involved in the development of a new family of polymers based upon the monomer 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (CBDO). Nanocomposites comprised of this new polymer and montmorillonite clay have been prepared, and they have exhibited a unique physical property combination of increased modulus and increased impact strength, relative to the base polymers. Elucidation of the structure-property relationships of these new polymers and nanocomposites has been hindered, however, by the lack of suitable processing equipment. This presentation will review the current state of polymer nanocomposites, and a proposal for new process engineering that is necessary to produce polymer nanocomposite based products that are consistent and have a superior cost-performance balance will be explained.

Bio: Michelle Londa received her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Akron in 1987; she earned her Ph.D. in Polymer Science from the University of Connecticut in 1991 under Professor J. T. Koberstein. Her dissertation was focused on “The Investigation of Polymer Process Monitoring using Spectroscopic Techniques”. In 1991, Michelle joined Shell Chemical Company, where she developed non-halogenated flame retardant and fiber reinforced aliphatic polyketone compounds. Her role included scale up of compounds from the lab to commercial scale. She has also worked for Conoco and Southern Clay Products, where she gained experience with carbon and nanoclay composites. Recently, Michelle joined Texas State University. Her current research interests include development of sustainable and environmentally friendly polymer technologies, structure/property relationships, and improved processing for polymer nanocomposites.

VENUE: You may attend the presentation from any one of these law offices of Winstead or from UT Dallas

Event Coordinators:
Richard Fink 512-339-5020x130 dfink@appliednanotech.net
Max Roundhill 512-339-5020x120 mroundhill@appliednanotech.net

Chairman: Dr. Zvi Yaniv

Registration deadline is Friday, September 29 at 5:00 PM Central.

To register, please send an email to Deepika Misra dmisra@winstead.com with your preferred attendance location.