Research Group Prof. Scott's research efforts focus on the understanding of polymer processing operations, particularly the process effects on material structure and performance. Investigations concern primarily multiphase systems such as blends, composites, impact modified polymers, and polymer systems incorporating a variety of additives. The performance of articles manufactured from such formulations is critically dependent on the processing operation. Analysis of these processing operations requires understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mass transfer, mixing, rheology, polymer physics, and polymer chemistry. Current research activities include investigation of polymer mixing and compounding operations.
Experiments probe the development of morphology and structure during the compounding process.
Key aspects of the process are modeled. Particular emphasis is placed on analysis of processing in the melting or softening regime, which is critical to process stability and phase size reduction during mixing operations.