POLYMER CHEMISTRY
Polymer chemistry at UF brings together a unique blend of synthetic chemistry, physical chemistry, and materials science to develop materials that address pressing challenges in water, food, health, and energy research and education. Our faculty and scientists are committed to training the next generation of scientists through hands-on experiences in designing and understanding polymers at every scale, from molecular building blocks to functional materials. Research in our program encompasses a broad range of topics, including the development of novel polymerization methods, sustainable plastics and recycling strategies, polymers for biomedical and healthcare applications, advanced materials for energy storage, and emerging areas such as engineered living materials. Students and postdocs benefit from a highly collaborative environment and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation that positions UF as a leader in polymer science with both fundamental and applied impact.
Our research programs include:
- Biodegradable polymers
- Covalent and metal-organic frameworks
- Electronic, electrochemical, and electrochromic properties of polymers
- Engineered living materials
- Gels, liquid crystals, and organized phases
- Optical properties of conjugated polymers
- Polymer biomaterials
- Polymers from biorenewable feedstocks
- Polymer synthesis methodology
- Polymer thin films and networks
- Supramolecular assemblies and polymers
Faculty in Polymer Chemistry
Ronald K. Castellano
Colonel Allen R. and Margaret G. Crow Term Professor & Chair
352-392-2752Send EmailSee Bio
Adriana Ahumada
Administrative Assistant
Leigh Hall 318
PO Box 117200
Gainesville , Florida 32611-7200
(352) 392-8544
Email: ahumadaa@ufl.edu
The Butler Lab at the University of Florida, established in 1946 by Professor George Butler, has a rich history in polymer chemistry and engineering. The lab, which started as a small group of researchers, expanded in 1970 with the arrival of physical polymer chemist Thieo Hogen-Esch. Other notable contributors include Charles Reed, who researched the use of polymer membranes for reverse osmosis, and Ken Dill who later moved to the University of California, San Francisco. In 1984, Ken Wagener joined the faculty, followed by Randy Duran in 1989 and John Reynolds in 1992. The lab was formally recognized as a separate entity in 1995 and is currently located on the third floors of Leigh Hall and Sisler Hall, and is home to the Castellano, Colina, Evans, Miller, Narayanan, Savin, Sumerlin, Veige, and Wagener research groups.
In 1946 Professor George Butler joined the UF Department of Chemistry after four years with the Rohm & Haas Company. His research group was among the first to focus on polymer chemistry in the United States, and as interest in polymers grew, Professor Butler formed the Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering in 1970 to coordinate polymer research campus wide. Today, the CMSE is led by Prof. Brent Sumerlin (Director) and Prof. Ken Wagener (Associate Director) and is comprised of 35 faculty along with over 120 students and staff operating in four departments on campus. The Center promotes collaboration among faculty in polymer science and engineering on campus and serves as a conduit between industry, government, and our university. We stress a fundamental approach in research while seeking solutions to practical problems.
Butler Polymer Research Award
Professor George & Josephine Butler established this award to recognize excellence in graduate student research and education related to polymer chemistry. Candidates are selected from all Department of Chemistry PhD students carrying out their research in polymer chemistry.
Michelin Science Scholars Program
The Michelin Science Scholars (MSS) Program provides students in chemistry, materials science, and engineering with funding and support for two semesters of faculty-mentored undergraduate research.
UF Chemistry POLY-PMSE Student Chapter
The UF POLY/PMSE Student Chapter is a student-run organizations affiliated with the ACS Division of Polymer Chemistry (POLY) and the Division of Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering (PMSE) that provide networking and career development opportunities to students and post-doctoral associates in the polymer field.
CHM 5275 – The Organic Chemistry of Polymers
CHM 5511 – Physical Chemistry of Polymers
CHM 6271 – The Chemistry of High Polymers
CHM 4272 – The Organic Chemistry of Polymers
CHM 5511 – Physical Chemistry of Polymers
CHM 6271 – The Chemistry of High Polymers
