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Marek W. Urban

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Research

Stimuli-Responsive Polymeric Materials and Coatings

Our research interests are fairly diversified, and current focus is on stimuli-responsive polymeric coatings and films, and molecular level processes which govern their physico-chemical behaviors. In particular, the influence of heterogeneity of networks and understanding of the processes leading to film formation, adhesion as well as mobility of individual components near surfaces and interfaces are of our interest.

 

 

   

Colloidal Nano-Structures

Utilization of bioactive molecules in the preparation of unique colloidal structures ranging from hollow or non-spherical particles to nanotubes and coalesced films is of a significant interest. These materials serve for the development of ultra low friction films and the use of colloidal synthesis facilitates various morphologies that often mimic mother nature leading to unique film properties.

 

Self-Repairing Polymeric Coatings and Films

Self-repairing materials are of great interest and we are in the process of developing thermoplastics and thermosetting polymeric systems that are capable of self-healing upon exposure to various physico-chemical conditions. Molecular level understanding of physical damages and subsequent recombination to reform structural features are a particular significance in creating new generations of sustainable materials.

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Surface and Interfacial Spectroscopy
Our research also deals with the developments of surface and interfacial chemical imaging techniques as well as other molecular level probes that allow qualitative and quantitative molecular assessments of polymers. We have developed internal infrared imaging (IRIRI) that overcomes diffraction limits in mid-IR and allows recording IR spectra with better than 1 μm spatial resolution. Along other classic spectroscopic tools like FT-Raman imaging, photoaccoustic FT-IR spectroscopy serves as one of the unique approaches to perform surface depth profiling with a 500 nm spatial resolution in the direction perpendicular to the surface.
   
   

 

Bioactive Polymer Surfaces

We developed icrowave plasma reactions on surfaces of polymeric materials which resulted in a new platform of modification of polymeric surfaces that allows the generation of acid groups via addition and hydrolysis of maleic anhydride in plasma environments. Such functional groups can be further used for other surface reactions leading to stimuli-responsive polymeric surfaces. Along these lines, we develop biologically active surfaces and interfaces on various polymers used in biomedical devices that exhibit antibacterial, antithrombotic, and antifouling characteristics.

 
 

 

School of Polymers and High Performance Materials
Shelby F. Thames Polymer Science Research Center
University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39406
601-266-6868 - marek.urban@usm.edu