Instructors
Edward Kolodka (faculty lead)
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
ekolodka@ucmerced.edu
701-885-1279
Elizabeth Nowadnick
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
enowadnick@ucmerced.edu
Materials play a critical role in our everyday life. From computers and smartphones, to the
planes we fly in, and the clothes we wear, we are surrounded by materials. Going forward,
innovations in materials will be critical in the development of new technologies in fields as
diverse as alternative energy, space exploration, and organ transplantation. This cluster
o@ers courses for students who are interested in how materials are made, what their
properties are, and how these properties are tested. Students will learn about the broad
categories of materials including metals, polymers, biomaterials, and semiconductors and
nano-materials. These courses are designed to carefully provide both theoretical
understanding and hands-on experiences.
Polymers: Students will learn what polymers are, how they are made, issues surrounding
polymer recycling, and why the unique properties of polymers allow them to be used in
diverse applications. Students will synthesize polymers, use 3D printing to manufacture
polymer products, test a variety of polymer properties, and conduct chemical recycling of
consumer waste plastic.
Metals: Students will learn about the many metals and alloys used in aerospace and other
industries and receive an introduction to their fabrication. Students will have the
opportunity to conduct numerous experiments on samples to determine their properties
and the impact of production processes such as heat treatment and cold working.
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering: Biomaterials are materials that are engineered to
interact with people for a medical purpose. Students will learn about di@erent types of
biomaterials and conduct experiments on their surface properties. They will also receive an
introduction to tissue engineering and will experiment with vascular self-assembly.
Semiconductors and Nanomaterials: These classes will teach students about
semiconductors and how they are manufactured as well as providing an introduction to
nanomaterials. Students will have the opportunity to test the characteristics of
semiconductors used in the production of computer chips and solar panels. They will also
synthesize and test nanoparticles.
Course Content and Structure
This cluster is designed to provide both background knowledge and ample hands-on activities. The
cluster will be broken into four 1-week themes. Each day will consist of brief lessons along with
significant time dedicated to experimentation. The use of case studies and team-based activities
will be used extensively. An outline of the proposed themes, along with a breakdown of the topics
and associated activities are shown below.
Week 1: Polymers
Topics: Identify polymer types (thermoplastics and thermosets), 3D printing, polymer recycling,
synthetic fibers including super-tensile strength polymer fibers.
Experimental activities:
• Superabsorbent polymers, making popping boba, nylon rope trick
• Synthesis of thermoplastics (PS) and thermosets (epoxy resin)
• Chemical recycling of soda bottles
• 3d printing
• Tensile testing of polymer fibers (HDPE, PP, nylon, polyester, and Dyneema)
Week 2: Metals and alloys
Topics: Metal crystal types, metallic alloys and phases, heat treatments, cold working,
Experimental activities:
• Measure metal properties including density, heat capacity, conductivity, hardness, and
surface morphology
• Conduct heat treatment on steel samples
Week 3: Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
Topics: Classifications of biomaterials, role of surface properties in biomaterial engineering,
introduction to tissue engineering
Experimental activities:
• Measure surface energies of biomaterials
• Vascular self-assembly
• Microfluidic device fabrication
Week 4: Semiconductors and nanomaterials
Topics: Introduction to semiconductors, semiconductor synthesis, solar panel function and
fabrication, nano-material properties and synthesis.
Experimental activities:
• Measure the thin-film thickness and refractive index of semiconductors
• Self-assembling nano particles
• Testing solar panel eNiciencies