AMI seminar: David A. Schiraldi

Room 170.048, Adolphe Merkle Institute, Marly

Monday, June 7th, 2010  11:00 h

Prof. David A. Schiraldi

Department of Macromolecular Science & Engineering

Case Western Reserve University

A wide range of polymers can be combined with clays in an environmentally-friendly freeze drying process which converts the aqueous mixtures into foam-like composite materials. These polymer/clay aerogels typically possess densities in the 0.05 - 0.15 g/cc range, and can exhibit rigid to elastomeric mechanical properties. When bio-based polymers are used, biodegradable alternatives to consumer foam products are obtained. Further processing of these materials can produce highly functional substances; the preparation, stucture and properties of a range of polymer/clay aerogels will be discussed.