9624978 Pruitt The broad objective of this CAREER development award is to develop a strong, well-integrated research and educational program focused at the understanding of structure-property relationships in advanced engineering materials with special emphasis on advanced polymers. The focus will be on ultra- high molecular weight polyethelene, because of its importance in biological applications, and the evolution of its structure and mechanical integrity as a result of post- sterilization aging. The educational plan will integrate the research into curriculum development and undergraduate research opportunities leading to a strong multidisciplinary curriculum in the area of mechanical behavior of advanced materials, including the implementation of new courses in polymer engineering and biomaterials. ***
