Richard J. Farris

Degree Information:
M.S. Civil Engineering, University of Utah, 1969
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University of Utah, 1970

Mailing Address:
Department of Polymer Science and Engineering
Room A125, Conte Research Center
University of Massachusetts Amherst
120 Governors Drive
Amherst, MA 01003

Phone: 413-577-1312

Email: rjfarris@polysci.umass.edu

Fax: 413-545-0082

Research Interests:
Experimental Mechanics, High Performance Fibers and Coatings, Fire-Safe Polymers, Rubber Elasticity and Thermodynamics, Deformation Calorimetry and Dilatometry, Particulate Composites, Electro-spinning, Sintering of Polymers, Recycling of Cross-linked Elastomers.

Current Research:
The research performed in the Farris group generally focuses on understanding the mechanics and physics of polymeric solids and composites from a fundamental continuum engineering and physics perspective. Much of this research pertains to determining the state of stress in self-imposed loading situations such as coatings and composite materials. The current research projects include: developing and evaluating fire-safe polymeric materials, applications of electro-spinning, novel approaches to recycling of chemically cross-linked materials such as rubbers, and matrix-free high performance fiber composites based on sintering. By developing a fundamental understanding of the controlling mechanisms of polymeric behavior, the Farris group has developed numerous new experimental methods to probe fundamental phenomenon. The figure below illustrates a novel method of high-resolution printing that uses no chemistry. We discovered that electro-spun mats made from black colored solutions that contain carbon black are typically white in color. These white mats become black when heated. The image illustrated was produced by locally heating with a laser.

Note that the original image is the size of a postage stamp.

Honors and Distinctions:

Chairman, Gordon Research Conference on Composites, 1984; Gordon Research Conference on High Performance Thermosetting Materials, 1996
Advisory/Editorial Board - International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization; Fibers and Polymers; Polymer Composites; Journal of ASTM International; Science and Engineering of Composite Materials
Faculty Fellowship Award - 1991 University of Massachusetts
Fellow - Society of Plastics Engineers
Roon Award - Federation of Societies for Coating Technology, 1998
Malcolm E. Pruitt Award - Council for Chemical Research 2001
Member - Scientific Advisory Board for Clemson University's NSF ERC, Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films, 1999 -
Member - Panel on Structural and Multifunctional Materials, NMAB, Defense-After-Next, Materials Research to Meet 21st Century Defense Needs, 2001-2003
Member - NRC's Report Review Committee, Panel for Materials Science and Engineering, Board of Assessment of NIST Programs, 2002
Invited Speaker - First Fire/Fuel Safety & Security Workshop, Sponsored by NASA, FAA, DOD and TSA, March 11 & 12, 2003, Washington D. C.
Member - College of Polymer Science and Engineering's College Advancement Council, University of Akron, 2004-
Member - NASA Interim Materials Review Panel (IMR) for the Space Shuttle On-orbit Tile Repair Project, 2003-