Overview of LAPOM

LAPOM specializes in development of materials, components and coatings with predefined mechanical (high load applications), tribological (high scratch and wear resistance), thermophysical (service at high temperatures, low thermal expansivity) and dielectric (a wide range of dielectric constants) applications. The Laboratory also specialized in prediction of service performance, reliability and service life; see Performance of Plastics edited by W. Brostow, Hanser Publishers 2000.

LAPOM also performs characterization and testing of materials, consultancy and trouble-shooting in the areas of manufacturing, processing and analysis of materials. It undertakes computer modeling of materials and processes. The Laboratory is associated with the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, Physics and Engineering Technology at the University of North Texas (UNT). LAPOM has also established itself as a basic research laboratory; see the List of Publications arranged by years.

LAPOM provides opportunities for the education of its members and obtaining degrees at several levels including MS and PhD. The Laboratory acknowledges the support extended by many international, national, and Texas companies and organizations for its research programs.

For the first 11 years LAPOM has hosted the POLYCHAR World Forum on Advanced Materials which since POLYCHAR-5 attracts each time participants from more than 40 countries. You can visit the POLYCHAR homepage at http://www.unt.edu/POLYCHAR/.

The faculty, staff and students in LAPOM represent several professions: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering and Physics. Thus, the Laboratory has capabilities to solve complex problems requiring interdisciplinary cooperation.

A. Development of epoxy-based coatings with high scratch and wear resistance at the top surface and high adhesion at the bottom to metal, ceramic and composite substrates ^{1 - 3}.

B. Prediction of long term creep, stress relaxation, performance and reliability of viscoelastic materials from short term tests ^{4 - 8}.

C. Inorganic-organic hybrid materials for high temperature applications ⁹.

D. Development and structure characterization of selenium-based materials for the electronics industry ^{10, 11}.

E. Computer modeling of crack formation and propagation in two-phase materials ¹².

F. Gelcasting of hydroxyapatite with controlled porosity for medical implants ¹³.

G. Drag reducers for accelarated fluid flow through conduits ¹⁴.

H. Dynamic molecular simulations on polymer liquid crystals (PLC) ^{15 - 17}

I. Tribology in polymeric systems, polymeric blends and composites

References:

¹ L. Bazyliak, M. Bratychak and W. Brostow, Mater. Res. Innovat. 2000, 3, 218.

² W. Brostow, P.E. Cassidy, H.E. Hagg, M. Jaklewicz and P.E. Montemartini, Polymer 2001, 42, 7971.

³ W. Brostow, B. Bujard, P.E. Cassidy, H.E. Hagg and P.E. Montemartini, Mater. Res. Innovat. 2003, 5.

⁴ W. Brostow, N.A. D'Souza, J. Kubat and R. Maksimov, J. Chem. Phys. 1999, 110, 9706.

⁵ W. Brostow, editor, Performance of Plastics, Hanser, Munich - Cincinnati 2000.

⁶ W. Brostow, Mater. Res. Innovat. 2000, 3, 347.

⁷ A.E. Akinay, W. Brostow and R. Maksimov, Polymer Eng. & Sci. 2001, 41, 977.

⁸ A.E. Akinay and W. Brostow, Polymer 2001, 42, 4527.

⁹ W. Brostow, V.M. Castano, A. Huanosta, M. de Icaza, M.E. Nicho and J.M. Saniger, Mater. Res. Innovat. 1999, 3, 85.

¹⁰ W. Brostow, M. Chybicki, R. Laskowski and J. Rybicki, Phys. Rev. B. 1998, 57, 13448.

¹¹ W. Brostow, J.-M. Saiter and Leslie White, work in progress.

¹² W. Brostow, M. Donahue III, C.E. Karashin and R. Simoes, Mater. Res. Innovat. 2001, 4, 75. 

¹³ J.R. Diaz, E. Rivera-Munoz, W. Brostow and V.M. Castano, J. Mater. Sci. Med. 2001, 12, 305.

¹⁴ W. Brostow, S. Majumdar and R.P. Singh, Macromol. Rapid Commun. 1999, 20, 144.