#62: Advanced Materials: Novel polymer research unlocks unique properties

From energy absorption to temperature resistance to self-healing, polymers hold vast potential. ERDC is combining its historic materials expertise with cutting-edge polymer research to unlock unique properties for the Warfighter and the nation. ERDC’s work is enabling advanced materials with diverse military and civil works applications, such as stopping projectiles, resisting corrosion and visualizing shockwaves. On today’s episode, we discuss ERDC’s advanced materials research with Dr. Travis Thornell and Dane Wedgeworth, both research physical scientists at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory. Topics include how ERDC’s polymer science research has grown over the past decade (1:06) and some its biggest success stories (9:32), how that research builds on ERDC’s deep expertise in materials (3:44), and the advantages of using polymers for civil works and military projects (13:00). We also discuss ERDC’s current materials science research (16:09), including a project that invented a new 3D-printable material for electronics (22:18) and another that developed a polymer material capable of visualizing shockwaves (24:25). Visit PowerofERDCPodcast.org/62-advanced-materials_resources for more information. Watch a video of this podcast at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/62-advanced-materials_video.