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Russell J. Composto
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Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University,
1987.
M.S., Materials Science, Cornell University, 1984.
B.A., Physics, Gettysburg College, 1982.
Research Interests
Polymer surfaces and interfaces , wetting, adhesion, adsorption,
polymer precursors to ceramics, ion scattering.
Current Research Projects
Polymeric coatings are important in the microelectronics, medical,
and chemical industries. For example, polymer laminates combine
the best properties of both polymers, e.g., hardness and permeability.
Because bilayers may develop pinholes, our group is studying
hole formation (dewetting) using atomic force, scanning electron,
and optical microscopies. Single layers of polymer blends can
also become unstable. We have found, in some cases, that confinement
can suppress phase separation suggesting a new route towards
creating useful films.
The segregation studies of polymers to air/polymer, polymer/polymer, and polymer/substrate interfaces involves the design of polymers with unique adsorption characteristics, the prediction of segregation using self-consistent mean field theory, and the measurement of the surface or interfacial composition. In fact, we have developed a new ion scattering technique (see reference below) for polymer surface analysis. Surface enrichment in alloys is of practical interest because wettability is controlled by surface composition. Our studies are uncovering the parameters which control segregation. Similarly, the interfacial properties in a two phase A:C blend controls the strength. We have found that a third component, miscible with C, can segregate to the interface and act as a compatibilizer. This new route has economic advantages over the traditional compatibilizers. Polymer adhesion is controlled by those molecules near the coating/substrate interface. We are designing coatings to optimize the adhesive strength with metal and oxide substrates. The adsorption of polymers from solution is also of interest.
Selected Publications