The Materials Research Laboratory (MRL) at the University of Pennsylvania supports a broad, interdisciplinary program of materials research which is currently organized into four primary thrust areas. Research on reduced dimensionality and structure in macromolecular systems addresses the design, synthesis and structural characterization of materials created from one- and two-dimensional structures, with emphasis on macromolecular materials with properties that cannot be realized in traditional crystalline or polymeric materials. The thrust on structure and micromechanics of interfaces is investigating the characteristics of interfaces controlling the deformation, fracture, and fatigue behavior of multiphase materials. The research is focussed on high temperature metallic alloys and composites, and the approach ranges from studies of atomic and electronic structure to continuum mechanics. Research in the surfaces and interfaces thrust aims at atomic and molecular level understanding of surfaces and novel interfacial structures, and their influence on chemical reaction dynamics. In the advanced polymers thrust, investigators seek to achieve the design and synthesis of new families of organic, inorganic and hybrid polymers of technological importance and to understand their behavior. The University of Pennsylvania MRL also supports focussed research initiatives to respond to special opportunities in materials research through a multidisciplinary team approach; two initiatives currently supported address fullerenes and materials simulation, respectively. The MRL also operates and maintains major central facilities for materials research. It provides seed funds for exploratory research, supports programs in education and human resources in the materials field, and supports a range of programs involving knowledge transfer and outreach to industry and other sectors. The MRL currently supports the activities of about 39 faculty members, 8 postdoctoral research associates, 52 graduate students, 22 undergraduates and 9 technical and scientific staff members. The MRL central facilities also support a substantial amount of research that is funded primarily from other sources. The University of Pennsylvania MRL is directed by Professor E. Ward Plummer.
