graduate student working in Transformative Biomaterials and Biotechnology Lab
 

Surface Science and Materials Characterization Lab

The Surface Science and Materials Characterization (SSMC) Lab investigates fundamental molecular mechanisms of chemical and mechanical processes occurring at solid/gas, solid/liquid, and solid/solid interfaces as well as structure-property relationships of biomaterials produced by plants and animals. To answer challenging questions in these systems, the SSMC lab develops and employs cutting-edge spectroscopic and mechanical characterization techniques.

Current research focuses in the lab include:

  • Molecular tribology and lubrication at nano- and micro-scales
  • Mechanochemistry (chemical reactions induced by mechanical forces)
  • Surface chemistry and mechanics of multicomponent glasses
  • Nano/meso/micro-scale structures of cellulose in plant cell walls and biomass
  • Piezoelectric materials based on nano-cellulose
  • Non-linear optical spectroscopy and imaging of crystalline biopolymers

Contact Information

 
 

About

The Penn State Department of Chemical Engineering, established in 1948, is recognized as one of the largest and most influential chemical engineering departments in the nation.

The department is built upon the fundamentals of academic integrity, innovation in research, and commitment to the advancement of industry.

Department of Chemical Engineering

121 Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Building

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-865-2574