Shaw Ling Hsu

Degree Information:
B.S. Physics, Rutgers University, 1970
Ph.D. Physics, University of Michigan, 1975

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

Phone: 413-577-1125

Email: slhsu@polysci.umass.edu

Fax: 413-545-0082

Research Interests:
Spectroscopic analysis of polymers; Development of environmentally appropriate materials; Characterization of multiphase materials including reactive blends; Deformation induced structural transformation in polymers; Physics of polymer surfaces and interfaces; Microwave induced structural transformation in polymers; Aging behavior of polymers.

Current Research:
Our research (funded by NSF and the EPA) is focused on performance improvement of environmentally appropriate polymer systems via incorporation of plant based feedstock. Nature provides the variety in chemical composition and structure that can be further altered in our laboratories for use in various applications with emphasis on coatings and adhesives. The natural biomass based polymers have the potential to contribute much more than petroleum-based polymers to improve the performance of coatings and adhesives. Theory and experiments are being carried out to characterize the phase equilibria of these multi-component systems. In collaboration with our industrial partners (Cargill/Dow, Metabolix, National Starch) we have also characterized the deformation behavior of various natural polymers such as poly(lactic acid) and their copolymers.

Honors and Distinctions:

Fellow, American Physical Society
Director, Spectroscopy Facility
Co-Director of the New England Green Chemistry Consortium
National Science Foundation Creativity Award
Chair of the Nanotechnology Advisory Board, Taiwan Industrial Technology Research Institute
Phi Beta Kappa
Danforth Foundation Fellow
Sigma Xi Honorary Research Society
University of Massachusetts Faculty Fellowship