John Droske (Organic/Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Education)

Thermally Stable Polymers

Advanced composites typically are prepared from high-strength graphite fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. Composites have found extensive application as metal replacements due to their ready processability, high strength to weight ratio, and good weatherability. The success of the Voyageur aircraft, the first plane to circle the world without refueling, was attributed in large measure to extensive use of lightweight composites as primary structural components.

We are developing composite matrix resins for use at elevated temperatures. This research project utilizes organic laboratory techniques to prepare the monomers needed for the synthesis of the matrix resins. Since many of these monomers have not been synthesized previously, much of our effort goes into developing synthetic methodology for their preparation. Preliminary molding powder processing and property studies are conducted at UWSP, and after this initial evaluation, samples are sent to NASA-Lewis Research Center for more extensive testing. Summer stipends are sometimes available for students working on this project.

Electrically Conductive Polymers

We have reported a synthetic approach to the preparation of electrically conductive polymers with 1,2-difluorovinylene substitution in the main chain. We are further developing this and other methods in order to more fully understand the structure-property relationships of these materials. Most of our research involves typical organic synthesis combined with instrumental techniques such as FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy, GC-MS, and thermal analysis (TGA/DSC). Electrical conductivities are also measured.

POLYED National Information Center for Polymer Education

POLYED is the joint education committee of the Polymer Divisions of the American Chemical Society. In 1989, POLYED established the National Information Center for Polymer Education at UWSP, the first center of its kind for materials education in the United States. The Center serves as a clearinghouse for information on polymer education and distributes resources to teachers throughout the U.S. The Center also offers "hands-on" polymer experiments and demonstrations workshops for teachers, students and other groups.

Students, especially those considering teaching as a career, are encouraged to become involved in the various activities of the Center. This may include participation in presenting the polymer demonstrations or research into developing new demonstrations and experiments. Summer stipends are sometimes available for students working on this project.