The Materials Research Laboratory (MRL) at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst supports interactive, interdisciplinary research in polymer science and engineering organized into three major thrust areas. Thrust research on pattern formation in polymer systems has evolved from earlier work in the MRL on polymer blends. It focusses on structure and pattern formation in multiphase polymer systems, including both blends and liquid crystals. Researchers in the thrust area on polymers in restricted geometries are synthesizing and characterizing novel polymeric films and surfaces, investigating their corresponding properties, and studying polymer adsorption processes. A new thrust on ordered polymeric solids is devoted to novel approaches to polymer synthesis, characterization of new periodic polymer morphologies, processing and property prediction. A major emphasis is placed on novel polymers of precisely defined structure produced by incorporating biochemical techniques into the synthetic procedures. The MRL also supports the development, maintenance and operation of central research facilities for characterization, morphology and rheology determination, spectroscopy, and computation. It also provides seed funding for exploratory research and new initiatives in materials research, and supports programs to foster increased participation by minorities and to provide experience in polymer research for undergraduates. The research program currently involves 19 faculty members from four departments, 3 postdoctoral research associates, 19 graduate students and 15 undergraduates, and supporting technical and clerical staff. The MRL at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst is directed by Professor David A. Tirrell.
