2023 KTU Session 4

April 1, 2023

Plastics: An Environmental Problem and Solution

An Interactive Session led by Dr. Robert B. Moore

Professor and Director of the Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech

Dr. Robert B. Moore is a Professor of Chemistry and the Director of the Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII) at Virginia Tech. Professor Moore received his PhD from Texas A&M University in 1988 followed by aPostdoctoral Fellowship at McGill University. From 1991 through 2007,he was on the faculty in the Department of Polymer Science & Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi. In 2007, he joined the faculty in the Department of Chemistry at Virginia Tech. Professor Moore is a Physical Polymer Chemist with fundamental interests in Polymer Morphology, Small-Angle X -Ray Scattering, and Thermo/Mechanical Properties. Research in the Moore group is focused on processing-morphology-property relationships of functionalized, semi-crystalline polymers (especially ionomers) to understand the role of specific interactions in morphological development.

Plastics are versatile materials made of polymers that give them unique properties and applications that range from soft gels to rigid helmets. In fact, plastics and polymers are found everywhere! Plastics have improved many aspects of life, but the accumulation of plastic waste poses a threat to the global environment. Many scientists and engineers are researching ways to recycle plastic and extend their life. In addition to single-use applications like bottles and bags, polymers can also be used as materials in renewable energy technologies that can help address the global energy crisis and mitigate the effects of climate change.  

Hands-on activities will be done throughout the presentation. For virtual students, we are mailing home kits of a variety of polymers for the students to interact with.