Segmental dynamics in interlamellar regions

1. Dynamics of Polymer Mixtures: Intermolecular Coupling and CrystallizabilityJames P. Runt, Pennsylvania State Univ University Park, DMR 0605627 Many emerging applications of multicomponent polymer systems are realized through molecular motions of the component polymer(s). The goal of our research is to develop a fundamental understanding of the role of intermolecular associations on the dynamics of multi-component polymer systems, as well as the crystallization behavior of such systems. We utilize broadband dielectric spectroscopy to investigate local and segmental polymer dynamics over a wide frequency and temperature range. We synthesize and study novel miscible polymer blends exhibiting a controlled amount of intermolecular association (hydrogen bonding), to elucidate the underlying mechanisms relating to intermolecular interactions and their effect on molecular dynamics. We also study model polymer blends with a crystallizable component, and investigate the effect of crystallization on blend dynamics, in relation to the crystalline morphology and phase behavior. Interfacial polarization of interfibrillar regions Segmental dynamics in interlamellar regions PEO Local dynamics Dielectric spectrum of semi-crystalline poly(ethylene oxide) – poly(vinyl acetate) blend. Dynamics can be correlated to thecrystalline morphology quantitatively determined using small-angle X-ray scattering

2. Dynamics of Polymer Mixtures: Intermolecular Coupling and CrystallizabilityJames P. Runt, Pennsylvania State Univ University Park, DMR 0605627 In addition, Amanda participates in the Science Lions on campus, a K-12 outreach group, has assisted with a GWIS girl scout outreach event, has judged numerous competitions, and serves in the Ask an Expert Forum on sciencebuddies.org. Broader Impacts: This program has supported a number of K-12 outreach and educational activities by our research group. For example, Alicia Castagna developed and coordinated workshops for the Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) Institute’s Expanding your Horizons Day (EYH) in the Fall semester and at the WISE Summer Camps. She also served as Vice President for the Penn State section of the Graduate Women in Science (GWIS), a group dedicated to the advancement of women in the sciences, as well as serving as a judge for PBS’s By Kids For Kids national engineering Trash to Treasure Competition. Amanda McDermott, recently awarded an NSF Graduate Fellowship, also participated as a program assistant in the EYH day workshop, along with group members Kevin Masser, Dr. Daniel Fragiadakis and Dr. Taeyi Choi. Program Assistants for the WISE EYH Day [left to right]: Dr. Daniel Fragiadakis [Ph.D. NTU Athens], Dr. Taeyi Choi [Ph.D. MIT], Amanda McDermott [B.S. UVA Physics], Kevin Masser [B.S. Penn State MatSE], Greg Tudryn [B.S. RPI ChE], and Alicia Castagna [B.S. RPI MatSE]