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Single Crystal Engineering: A Template for Low-Dimensional Physics. Stephen Z.D. Cheng, University of Akron, . DMR 0516602.
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Single Crystal Engineering: A Template for Low-Dimensional Physics Stephen Z.D. Cheng, University of Akron, DMR 0516602 Single crystals from crystalline-amorphous block copolymers provide a novel way to study different fields of polymer physics. One area is the crystallization of polymers in 1-dimensionally confined environments. Single crystals of diblock copolymers are free of defects commonly found in bulk diblock confined environments. Our studies have shown that a PEO single crystal can be melted and recrystallized in between two glassy PS layers. The orientation of the PEO c-axis after crystallization is dependent on the recrystallization temperature. (Macromolecules, 2008, 41, 4709) In addition, hybrid materials have been synthesized to study the assembly of 2-dimensional arrays on the crystal surface. Crystallizable polymer chains have been attached to nanoparticles such as carbon-60. Self-assembly through the crystallization of the polymer chains creates a surface where the nanoparticles can assemble. These arrays can be further manipulated and used in various applications including optics and electronics. (Macromolecules, 2008, 41, 515)
Single Crystal Engineering: A Template for Low-Dimensional Physics Stephen Z.D. Cheng, University of Akron, DMR 0516602 EDUCATION: This grant has helped 1 student, Dr. Huiming Xiong, earn his Ph.D. at the University of Akron. It has also supported 5 students in their doctoral dissertation research. They are Mr. Ryan Van Horn, Mr. Ming-Siao Hsiao (both 5th year students), Mr. Jing Wang, Mr. Wenbin Zhang (4th year students), and Mr. Xinfei Yu (3rd year student). OUTREACH: At the University of Akron, there are various K-12 outreach programs to encourage young students to pursue careers in the sciences. These programs include tours of the facilities, science days, and summer teaching programs. We have also participated in the NSF-REU summer internship program for the last 6 years. In this program, our group provides valuable graduate research experience to undergraduates in chemistry, physics, or engineering related areas. In 2007, Mr. Nathan Miller, a student from Baldwin-Wallace College, worked in our group as an REU intern. Currently, Mr. Brad Hauser from John Carroll University is a participant in the REU program. Both students are native to the Northeastern Ohio area.