Materials Design and Manufacturing

Building upon a long heritage of excellence in polymers and membrane science, CBE materials researchers are performing impactful work aimed at creating new materials, developing state-of-the-art technologies and characterization techniques, and innovating advanced manufacturing approaches to address pressing societal and scientific challenges. Our work has led to the development of self-sterilizing polymers that inactivate coronaviruses, textiles that can capture and deactivate toxic compounds, super sticky microparticles mimicking gecko feet, and the 3D printing of advanced materials, including liquid metals and jelly-like hydrogels. CBE researchers are also leaders in understanding long-standing fundamental issues in materials, including friction in suspensions and wet surfaces, the stability of glasses, and atomic layer deposition for advanced semiconductors and electronic applications. Our work is strengthened by numerous campus activities in materials manufacturing, innovation, and entrepreneurship.