Dynamic properties: rheology, mechanical properties, electroactive

Methods: force field simulations, coarse-grained simulations

Continuing reduction of environmental threats

• Elimination of toxic components

• Replacement of plastics by natural materials

• Recycling

Continuing search for viable recycling strategies

• Collection problems: separation, contamination

• Blending: properties of mixtures

• Processing: to return to monomer or other feedstock type

• Other means of disposal: incineration, landfill

Enhanced process control through computer and sensor applications

• Molding

• Extrusion

• Film blowing

• Coating

Continuing substitution of polymers for metals and other materials

• Aircraft, space vehicles

• Automobiles

• Clothing

• Machined parts

• Construction

• Electronics

• Marine structures and vehicles

Growing use of polymeric materials for wide variety of military items

• Bullet-proof clothing

• Uniforms

• Aircraft weight reduction

Growing understanding of structure-property relationships

• Finite-element analysis

• Flow modeling, rheology

• Simulation of structures of composites, blends, crystalline polymers