Polymer Processing Lab

The Polymer Processing Laboratory is devoted to understanding and improving manufacturing processes for polymers by combining analysis, computer simulation, and experiments. The lab facilities include a 50-ton injection molding machine, and facilities for compression molding, extrusion, and high-intensity mixing of polymers. Specialized set-ups are available for measuring the permeability of fiber reinforcements used in polymer-matrix composites, for measuring viscosity in squeeze flow, and for characterizing the mechanical behavior of fiber mats during large deformations. A particular emphasis of the laboratory is development of microstructure in polymer blends and composites, and the lab is equipped with an apparatus to measure the microstructure of liquid-liquid mixtures during flow and deformation.

Director

• Charles L. Tucker, III