Soft Matter Seminar: ARO Polymer Chemistry Program Overview

Dr. Robert Lamberth, Polymer Chemistry Program Manager, Army Research Office

Abstract: The impact of polymeric materials on Army applications is undeniable. Polymers are integral to a wide variety of applications in Soldier protection and lethality as well as sensing, ground and air vehicles, and fires. The Polymer Chemistry program at the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Army Research Office (ARO) supports basic, fundamental research in polymer science directed towards the design, synthesis, and characterization of polymers with the goal of linking the molecular level structure through the atomic/molecular- nano- and microstructural continuum to bulk macroscopic properties. The program supports research thrusts aimed at polymer synthesis methodology focused on developing new approaches for preparing well-defined polymers and advanced polymer networks seeking new methods to access topologically uniform networks incorporating various stimuli responsive functionalities. In this talk, Dr. Lambeth will provide an overview of the program highlighting various research areas of interest and recent accomplishments and describe how these research findings may one day impact Army applications. Insights into funding mechanisms, the proposal process, and interacting with program managers will also be discussed.