Our laboratory is focused on the application of fundamental chemical engineering principles to address materials problems generally through processing-structure-property relationships and novel characterization methodologies. The exact topics addressed by the group evolve, but the underlying principles generally still apply with a focus on how interfaces influence the properties.
To this end, projects integrate synthesis/formulation, novel processing, and in many cases in-situ/operando characterization. We supplement these activities with advanced characterization techniques available at National Laboratories involving neutrons and x-rays to develop improved understanding of processes through examination of structural evolution. These fundamental studies provide the basic understanding necessary for major advances in the field and translation of fundamental science to practical applications through processing science.
This faculty member is associated with the Penn State Intercollege Graduate Degree Program (IGDP) in Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) where a multitude of perspectives and cross-disciplinary collaboration within research is highly valued. Graduate students in the IGDP in MatSE may work with faculty members from across Penn State.
Additive Manufacturing
One of the most cost effective methods for 3D printing of plastic objects is fused filament fabrication (FFF), which was initially commercialized by Stratasys as fused deposition modeling (FDM). This process relies on the melting of a thermoplastic filament to extrude the melt into the shape by rastering the hotend extruder of the FFF printer and then building up the object in a layer-by-layer manner. We work on understanding the fundamental underlying processes associated with this modality of 3D printing through novel characterization schemes and work to push the boundaries with developing new filaments through structuring and chemistry that help to overcome traditional weaknesses in these areas.
Representative publications
- F. Peng, B.D. Vogt, M. Cakmak. Complex Flow and Temperature History during Melt Extrusion in Fused Deposition Modeling for Additive Manufacturing. Additive Manufacturing 2018, 22, 197- 206. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2017.05015
- B. Li, C. Zhang, F. Peng, W. Wang, B.D. Vogt, K.T. Tan. 4D printed shape memory metamaterial for vibration bandage switching and active elastic-wave guiding. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 2021, 9, 1164. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TC04999A
- J.-R. Ai, F. Peng, P. Joo, B.D. Vogt. Enhanced Dimensional Accuracy of Material Extrusion 3D-Printed Plastics through Filament Architecture. ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 2021, 3, 2518-2528. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.1c00110
Mechanics and Structure of Associating Polymers
Non-covalent interactions between polymer chains provide effective crosslinks on the timescale of the lifetime of these interactions and thus can dramatically influence the dynamics and mechanical properties. The connectivity of polymers can amplify the effective strength of these interactions, but the coordination number for the interactions can also play a key role. Details about the connectivity and strength of the interactions can dramatically influence the properties of these materials. We use neutron and x-ray scattering to develop understanding of the associated nanostructure and how this evolves through deformation to provide insights into how to design polymers at a molecular level. The details of the polymer architecture and its composition translate to the mesoscale structure and ultimately macroscopic properties.
Representative publications
- V.M. Torres, J. A. LaNasa, B.D. Vogt, R. J. Hickey. Controlling nanostructure and mechanical properties in triblock copolymer/monomer blends via reaction-induced phase transitions. Soft Matter, 2021, 1, 1505-1512. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SM01661F
- C. Wang, K. Deitrick, J. Seo, Z. Cheng, N.S. Zacharia, R.A. Weiss, B.D. Vogt. Manipulating mechanical response of hydrophobically crosslinked hydrogels with ionic associations. Macromolecules2019, 52, 6055-6067. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.9b00830.
Polymer Sustainability and Upcycling
The ever-growing use of plastics and intrinsic limitations on its recycling has led to a challenging threat to the environment and future generations. We are interested in alternative recycling strategies that increase the value of the product relative to the initial plastic to provide upcycling potential that can better compete on the market. Additionally, we are interested in improved fundamental understanding of how to chemically transform plastic waste at low cost back to chemicals that are compatible with conventional petrochemical processing facilities. One critical aspect is control of the product distribution and maximizing the carbon yield in valuable liquid products.
Representative publications
- B.D. Vogt, K. Stokes, S.K. Kumar. Why is Recycling of Post-Consumer Plastics so Challenging? ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 2021, 3, 4325-4346. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.1c00648
- M. Herrero, F. Peng, J.C. Merino, J.M. Pastor, B.D. Vogt. Renewable Nanocomposites for Additive Manufacturing using Fused Filament Fabrication. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2018, 6 (9), 12393-12402. https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b02919
Fellow of Polymeric Materials Science Engineering Division, 2021
Fellow of American Physical Society, 2019
Morand Lambla Award, Polymer Processing Society, 2017