Polymer and
Complex Fluids at the
Colorado School of Mines
Research Themes
Core Capabilities
Characterization
Synthesis
Nanomaterials
and NanotechnologyThe Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology theme of the Center integrates various strengths of center members and focuses on exploiting the underlying properties of polymers and complex fluids for the molecular and morphological scale design of novel nanomaterials. In the area of polymers, for instance, projects draw on synthetic strategies (Knauss, Boyes), theory and simulation (Wu, Dorgan) and characterization (Dorgan, Knauss, Boyes) to design and create novel functional nanostructures, such as the switchable polymer based Soft NEMS (nano electromechanical structure) depicted below capable of switching between two conformational states with differing chemical and physical surface properties. The nanomaterials projects also interface with other focus areas of CSM such as Green Engineering. Prof. Dorgan is creating econanobiocomposites for a sustainable, molecularly engineered composite from biomass sources.
