The Functional Macromolecular Laboratory, directed by Peter Kofinas and Robert Briber, focuses on the synthesis, characterization and processing of novel polymer-based nanostructured systems used in a variety of technological fields, ranging from medicine and pharmaceuticals to energy storage and microelectronics. The lab features a comprehensive set of characterization equipment for polymer mechanical, thermal, dielectric, conductive properties. Current projects include the design of polymers, hydrogels, and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for use in blood-coagulation, intelligent food packaging capable of detecting pathogenic bacteria, hemodialysis, vaccine production, the selective binding of viruses and proteins, and electrolytes for flexible batteries and energy storage systems. Equipment includes a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) dielectric analyzer (DEA), ultraviolet/visible light spectrophotometer, gel permeation chromatography with light scattering (GPC), ultramicrotome with cryo capability, and frequency response analyzer (FRA).

Robert M. Briber Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives 301-405-7313 | rbriber@umd.edu Profile

Peter Kofinas ChBE Professor and Chair 301-405-7335 | kofinas@umd.edu Profile