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Future Programming

Future symposia topics are under consideration for the Fall 2026 meeting and beyond. If you are interested in hosting a symposium at the National ACS Meeting in a PMSE-related topic, please view our page on how to submit an symposium idea.


Symposia TitleSymposia DescriptionDivision Info
Polymer Dynamics and Structure by Neutrons and X-ray spectroscopy

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
The physical properties of polymers arise from the self-assembly of elementary units into nano- to mesoscopic structures. This process is driven by a complex and cooperative interplay of dynamics across numerous degrees of freedom and hierarchy of scales. Moreover, these dynamics are significantly influenced by environmental conditions, external stimuli, and processing methods. Understanding the dynamics of polymers across a wide range of length and time scales in bulk and within various confining matrices is important for structure-composition-property control. However, achieving a comprehensive understanding of polymer dynamics remains a significant challenge.

Our symposium will highlight theoretical and experimental advancements in elucidating the multi-scale dynamics and structure of polymer systems, including melts, solutions, surfaces, interfaces and in general with soft matter—through the use of neutron and X-ray spectroscopy techniques. This can span a wide range of spatial and temporal domains. The sessions will highlight contributions of various techniques including: neutron scattering, to investigate diffusivity and diffusion mechanisms, reflectometry in thin film interfaces, environmental control, biological systems, and other soft matter phenomena . We also welcome contributions from advances in computational methods, AI/ML driven methods, and other experimental approaches that enhance the use of synchrotron and neutron techniques.
Sponsored by: PMSE + POLY

Organizers: Laura R. Stingaciu, Naresh C Osti, Rigoberto Advincula, Honghai Zhang
Email
PMSE/POLY Student Chapter Symposium

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
0Sponsored by: PMSE + POLY

Organizers: Dominik Konkolewicz
Email
Soft Polymer Networks: Linking Chemistry, and Mechanics

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
Soft polymeric materials are critical in engineering and biomedical applications, including elastomers for tires, dampers, and seals; hydrogels for contact lenses and artificial prosthetics, and pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) for packaging labels, healthcare materials, and wearable electronics. In these applications, soft materials consist of polymer networks with a low elastic modulus and an outstanding ability to largely deform. However, because network topologies are complex and crosslinks remain static under loads, how molecular structure relates to bulk physical properties—both during service and after use—remains unknown.
Thus, despite being foundational to polymer science—consider the example of rubber vulcanization— the molecular design of soft polymer networks continues to raise critical questions for the development of sustainable materials in modern society. For example: (1) how can we design crosslink dynamics and covalent bond energies to enable chemical or mechanical recycling post-use? (2) How can we engineer network architecture to tune stress distributions among chains, control irreversible damage, and prevent failure to extend mechanical lifetime? And (3) how can we integrate recent advances in polymer chemistry, polymer physics, and continuum modeling to predict mechanical behavior under complex, three-dimensional loading conditions?

This symposium aims to address these questions by convening experts in (i) polymer chemistry, (ii) physics, (iii) engineering, and (iv) fracture mechanics. By engaging stakeholders from academia, industry, and government, we will work towards holistic solutions, with particular emphasis on:
– Novel chemistries for synthesizing sustainable polymer networks, endowing them with on-demand recycling, controlled degradation mechanisms, and tunable mechanical properties.
– Advanced characterization tools to quantitatively map strain, stress, and damage fields, especially at large deformations and high strains.
– Multi-scale modeling frameworks that connect network topologies and dynamic bonds with chain breakage events, crack nucleation, and fracture.
– Design of hierarchical or architected structures that rationally delocalize stress, mitigate damage, and enhance fracture resistance in both cohesive and adhesive failure scenarios.
Sponsored by: PMSE + POLY

Organizers: Scott Danielsen, Gabriel Sanoja, Chris Ellison, Chris Bates, Hyunki Kim
Email
Polymers at Bio-interfaces

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
The intersection of polymer science and biological interfaces represents a dynamic and rapidly evolving field with broad implications for healthcare, environmental science, and advanced materials. This symposium will highlight recent advances in the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of polymeric materials that applied in biological systems in controlled and functional ways at interfaces. We are particular looking for new materials and interfacial models including AI/ML driven synthesis and characterization methods, that gives a dynamic and even real-time understanding of the biology and chemistry at polymer interfaces.
We welcome contributions that explore how polymer structure, functionality, and processing affect interfacial phenomena at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. A central focus will be on understanding and manipulating polymer–bio interactions to engineer surfaces and materials with desired biological outcomes. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Bio-inspired, stimuli-responsive, multifunctional polymer interfaces (e.g., anti-fouling, bio-compatible, conductive, sensing, thermo-conductive, adhesive)
• Next generation of hydrogels and interaction at surfaces including particles
• Polymers for drug delivery and controlled release
• Simulation and AI/ML directed work flows in the synthesis and characterization of surfaces
• Advances in interfacial characterization techniques (e.g., neutron reflectometry, SFG, SPR, AFM, QCM, XPS)

The symposium will also provide a platform for emerging areas of polymers for bio-interfaces, natural and hybrid polymer systems, and the use of machine learning or computational modeling to predict polymer–bio interactions. Studies that combine experimental and theoretical approaches or bridge disciplines such as materials science, chemistry, biology, and biomedical engineering are especially encouraged.
We aim to foster cross-disciplinary discussion by bringing together researchers from academia, national laboratories, and industry who are developing materials that function at or near biological interfaces. Both fundamental investigations and application-driven research are welcome.
By exploring how polymeric materials can be tailored to modulate or mimic biological systems, this symposium will contribute to the advancement of technologies in healthcare, diagnostics, and sustainability. We have contacted invited speakers, with consideration of the diversity of speakers with respect to career stage, employment sector, gender, and members of historically underrepresented groups. Graduate students, early-career researchers, and established scientists are all encouraged to submit abstracts and participate in this exciting session.
Sponsored by: PMSE + POLY

Organizers: Rigoberto Advincula, Stefan Zauscher, Zhefei Yang, Charini Maladeniya
Email
Polymers and Boron Nitride

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
The Polymers and Boron Nitride symposium will focus on fundamental polymer research relevant to boron nitride nanomaterials with an emphasis on boron nitride nanotubes, which have unique properties rivaling or exceeding carbon analogues. Polymers are significant to all stages of boron nitride materials development. There is noteworthy fundamental polymer research being pursued in the preparation of boron nitride materials, from their purification using techniques such as polymer wrapping, to synthetic modification of boron nitride and polymer resins to improve compatibility, to the preparation of boron nitride composites, to fibers and films. This symposium offers an opportunity to share the latest developments in boron nitride materials and foster further collaboration between researchers. The symposium will cover technical areas pertinent to synthesis, characterization, and computation and all relevant parties are highly encouraged to contribute oral and poster presentations.Sponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Jessica Cash, Christa Homenick
Email
Emerging Properties of Pi-Conjugated Polymers & Macromolecules

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
Conjugated macromolecules are at the heart of numerous current and emerging technologies addressing critical societal needs with global impacts. Notable examples include novel optoelectronics, energy conversion and storage, healthcare/biomedicine, sensing, information science, manufacturing, consumer applications, defense, and many others. Progress remains driven by foundational advancements in macromolecular science and engineering spanning disciplinary boundaries across chemistry, physics, biology, materials science, and engineering disciplines. This symposium aims at gathering world leaders from academic, industrial, and defense sectors to discuss cutting edge research on “Emerging Properties of -Conjugated Polymers & Macromolecules”.

Topics to be covered:
• Computation: theory, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML)
• Synthesis: emerging synthetic methods, advanced synthesis and catalysis, fresh chemical approaches to conjugated macromolecules, 2D conjugated frameworks, and automation
• Transport properties, emerging doping methods, conductivity, and electrochromism
• Organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs), bioelectronics, wearables
• Optoelectronics: photovoltaics, photodetectors, and flexible electronics
• Materials design, processing, and device engineering, monolithic integration, and advanced metrology and characterization
• Spin, magnetic, and quantum functionality
Sponsored by: PMSE + POLY

Organizers: Jason D. Azoulay, Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, John R. Reynolds, Zhenan Bao, Antonio Facchetti
Email
PMSE/POLY Poster Session.

Poster Only
Contributed Submission Allowed
0Sponsored by: PMSE + POLY

Organizers: Dominik Konkolewicz
Email
Innovations in Thermal Management and Fire Safety

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
The Innovations in Thermal Management and Fire Safety” symposium aims to gather a diverse group of researchers from academia, industry, and government with expertise in fire science applicable to various fields such as automobiles, construction, space, and consumer goods. The focus is on both fundamental and applied research. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: Materials for fire-resistant environments, Novel flame retardant technology, Polymers to Ceramic conversion technology, Novel fire characterization tools and standards implemented, Thermal barrier coatings, foams or composite materials, Materials for elevated temperatures, Modeling, simulation in Fire Science and prediction, Machine Learning in Fire Science, Advancements in fire-fighting foams, and Bio-based or sustainable fire-protective materialsSponsored by: PMSE + POLY

Organizers: Sravya Nuguri, Grace Wan, Todd Emrick, Rocky Zhu
Email
Automation & AI in Polymer Science: Accelerating Discovery of Functional Polymers

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
The future of polymer science lies at the intersection of automation, high-throughput experimentation, and intelligent data-driven design. This symposium will explore how cutting-edge tools—ranging from autonomous synthesis and rapid characterization to machine learning, and computational modeling—are transforming the pace and precision of materials discovery. By accelerating the screening and optimization of polymers with targeted properties, these integrated approaches are redefining how we innovate. Bringing together academic, industry, and government leaders, this session aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration around the next generation of polymer innovation driven by digital and automated technologies.

Themes
● Autonomous Synthesis & High-Throughput Platforms
Explore how robotic workflows and automated characterization are enabling the rapid generation of polymer libraries and accelerating the materials discovery pipeline.
● Machine Learning & Data-Driven Design
From property prediction to formulation optimization—learn how AI and data science are powering smarter decision-making in polymer research.
• Computational Modeling & Predictive Simulations
Delve into the role of multiscale modeling, quantum calculations, and physics-informed simulations in guiding the design of complex polymer systems.
” Career and Professional Development Eleni Papananou hellen@ucsb.edu Atif Afzal atif.afzal@schrodinger.com Metin Karayilan mxk1334@case.edu Martin Seifrid m_seifrid@ncsu.edu Nairiti Sinha sinha@psu.edu Wenjie Xia wxia@iastate.edu Boran Ma Boran.Ma@usm.edu Xiaodan Gu Xiaodan.Gu@usm.edu 07/07/25 12:59 PM 06/04/25 9:54 AM j_blair@acs.org
PMSE|POLY PMSE
Sponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Eleni Papananou, Atif Afzal, Metin Karayilan, Martin Seifrid, Nairiti Sinha, Wenjie Xia, Boran Ma, Xiaodan Gu
Email
Advanced Manufacturing and Concepts for Functional Coatings, Thin Films, and Interphases

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
Polymeric coatings and interphases are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from mass-produced commodity products to specialty high-tech applications. These thin films protect surfaces, control mass and energy transport between phases, amplify interface properties, and even endow surfaces with volumetric properties. This symposium covers both novel synthesis, fabrication, and advanced manufacturing methods for polymer-based thin films and coatings on planar and non-planar or porous surfaces and particles, as well as their multi-facetted applications, including next-generation lithography, energy storage and conversion, sustainable packaging, separations, and electronics.

Fabrication and Manufacturing:
– Gas-phase deposition and coating methods including initiated/oxidative chemical vapor deposition (i/o-CVD), molecular layer deposition (MLD), vapor deposition polymerization (VDP).
– Self-limiting and other electrospray deposition methods.
– Surface grafting methods, including surface-initiated polymerizations and grafting-to approaches.
– Electropolymerization and electrochemically assisted deposition of polymers.
– Layer-by-layer assembly of functional polymer thin films.

Applications:
– Advanced resists for lithography and nanofabrication, including block copolymer lithography, EUV- and e-beam lithography.
– Interfacial polymers and assemblies for functional liquid-liquid and liquid-gas interphases
– Coatings for advanced or bio-inspired (electro)catalysis with increased efficiency and selectivity
– Coatings and multi-layer architectures for advanced and sustainable packaging.
– Redox-active polymer thin films and coatings for energy storage (polymer batteries, pseudo/ supercapacitors) and electrochromic applications, as well as artificial interphases in energy storage and conversion applications.
– Thin-film membranes and coatings for gas and liquid separation or capture technologies, including direct air capture of carbon dioxide.
– Thin films in nano/micro-electronics, including low- and high-K polymer dielectrics.
– Theory of interfacial phenomena and functional interphases.
Sponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Joerg Werner, Luyi Sun
Email
Bioinspired Functional Polymer Engineering: Materials Science from Ukraine

Oral Only
Invited-Only
This symposium highlights advancements in materials science, emphasizing novel, bio-inspired structural-functional materials and composites of 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures, both bio-derived and organic/inorganic synthetic components. It covers a broad spectrum of applications, including healthcare and biomedical technologies, energy storage and conversion, environmental solutions, and electronic and optical devices for human and robotic performance monitoring. This special event will promote international collaboration, emphasizing the collaboration of Ukrainian scientists alongside their global counterparts from various fields, including bioengineering, chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology. The aim is to initiate discussions on fundamental science as well as theoretical, experimental, and computational approaches.
This symposium aims to highlight the transformative impact of innovative materials in tackling global challenges through enhanced international cooperation. Topics will include, but are not limited to: 1) Bioinspired and biomimetic materials and composites for therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine; 2) Ultrathin membranes, mixed-matrix membranes, and hierarchical porous membranes from bio-renewable sources; 3) Surface interactions at the interface of functionalized natural polymer membranes with various nanomaterials; 4) Synthesis an design of multifunctional nanomaterials and composites for water, energy, electronics, healthcare, and environmental protection; 5) Fundamental interactions at selective and responsive surfaces and interfaces of hierarchical structures; 6) Self-assembled, layered, and multilayered nanomaterial composites for optical, photonic, sensing, and advanced nanotechnology. The symposium is expected to catalyze new research initiatives, strengthen international collaborations and promote the translation of scientific research into practical applications that benefit society as a whole.
Sponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Nag Gavvalapalli, Chenfeng Ke
Email
Benny Freeman’s 65th Birthday Symposium & Celebration

Oral Only
Invited-Only
This symposium is dedicated to Professor Benny Freeman of the University of Texas at Austin, on his 65th birthday, to highlight his seminal contributions to various aspects of membrane science and technology, as well as to the development of human capital.
Alumni, friends and collaborators will talk about current issues in membrane science and technology, recent advances and outline future trends.
Sponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Michele Galizia, Haiqing Lin
Email
6th International Symposium on Polybenzoxazines

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
Polybenzoxazine is a new field of theosetting resins that is now spreading throughout the world. It is now leading the renaissance of the thermosetting resin field. It has the most versatile molecular design flexibility of all the polymers. It is also one of only a few newly commercialized new polymers in the past 45 years. The symposium subjects range from sustainable, green materials, smart coatings, shape memory resins, next generation aerospace materials including deep space applications, biomedical applications, marine technology, advanced composites, optical devices, energy applications, advanced carbon materials, non-metallic catalyst, high surface area materials for CO2 capture and rare metals, and many other areas.Sponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Hatsuo Ishida, Pablo Froimowicz, Ian Hamerton, Bimlesh Lochab
Email
Celebrating Polymer Research at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs)

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
This session will highlight the research accomplishments of faculty members of all ranks at primarily undergraduate research institutions (PUIs) who contribute to the advancement of polymer science and engineering through their integrated research and teaching endeavors. We invite presentations that span topics in macromolecular synthesis, processing, characterization and applications. We also invite presenters to share best practices for guiding undergraduates through impactful research projects and strategies for obtaining external funding for undergraduate research at PUIs. By integrating scientific discovery with educational practice, this symposium aims to foster a collaborative community that advances both polymer science and undergraduate research engagement.Sponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Melissa Gordon, Bassil El-Zaatari, Ryan Van Horn, Leslie Hamachi
Email
COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AWARD

Oral Only
Invited-Only
This is an annual award sessionSponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Dominik Konkolewicz
Email
Characterization and Prediction of Properties of Polymeric Materials

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
This is our general session on the characterization and properties of polymersSponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Dominik Konkolewicz
Email
Fabrication & Processing of Polymeric Materials

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
This is our general session on the fabrication and processing of polymeric materialsSponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Dominik Konkolewicz
Email
The Future of High-Performance Polymers: Integrating Computational Design, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning and Advanced Synthesis

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
High-performance polymers (HPPs) are critical materials in advanced applications in multiple sectors, including aerospace, electronics, and automotives. Their exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and other multifunctional properties make them desired as well as indispensable for demanding environments. Recent advancements in polymer chemistry, computational modeling, and machine learning have significantly accelerated the discovery and development of novel HPPs with tailored properties. This symposium aims to address the current state-of-the-art in HPP research while identifying opportunities for future advancements. It will provide a platform for experts and researchers from academia, industry, and national laboratories to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging trends, foster collaborations, and building future workforce advance development and maturation of next-generation HPPs.Sponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Vikas Varshney, Michael Sims, Rampi Ramprasad, Olivia McNair
Email
Physics and Chemistry of Foams

Oral Only
Contributed Submission Allowed
Foams are complex, dynamic systems that bridge colloidal science, interfacial chemistry, and materials engineering. This symposium will explore the latest advances in understanding and manipulating foams across a range of chemistries and applications. Topics will include foam formulation strategies, surfactant and emulsifier design, the chemistry of fire retardants in foams, solubility and behavior of blowing agents, and analytical methods for probing the physical and chemical events during foam generation and aging. Emphasis will be placed on thermoset foaming systems and emerging approaches to improve the sustainability of foam materials. The symposium will also highlight application areas such as energy storage and conversion, thermal insulation, and biomedical foams. We welcome contributions that showcase new experimental techniques, modeling approaches, or application-driven studies.
This symposium is designed to bring together academic researchers, students, and industry professionals to foster collaboration and discussion around both fundamental challenges and innovative solutions in foam science. Please note that thermoplastic foams and processing-specific studies of thermoplastic materials are generally out of scope for this session.
Sponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Kshitish A. Patankar, Abhishek Shete
Email
Novel Applications of Polymeric Materials

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
This is our general session on new applications of polymersSponsored by: PMSE

Organizers: Dominik Konkolewicz
Email
Advances in Polymer Electrolytes

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
The development of high performance polymer electrolytes that are lightweight and flexible with improved safety are imperative for next generation energy storage and conversion technologies, including lithium (Li)-ion batteries, sodium (Na)-ion batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, flow batteries, and many others. High-performance solid-state polymer electrolytes have the potential to address various challenges in electrical energy storage devices if they can meet the requirements of (i) high ionic conductivity; (ii) sufficient mechanical strength; (iii) high transport number; and (iv) wide electrochemical stability window. Furthermore, polymer electrolyte membranes and ionomers (i.e. binders) are critical enabler for fuel cell, electrolyzer, and flow battery technologies. This symposium provides an opportunity to share and learn the most recent advances in polymer electrolyte development, including synthesis, characterization, theory, and simulation in both fundamental and applied research, especially toward enhancing ion conductivity, selectivity, and stability. Through collaborating with multiple ACS divisions, the symposium will gather knowledge on how to address various challenges of polymer electrolytes and highlight recent success and advancement.Sponsored by: PMSE + POLY + ENFL

Organizers: Tomonori Saito, Jodie Lutkenhaus, Xi Chelsea Chen
Email
Hybrid Functional Materials of Polymers and Inorganic Nanoparticles

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
Many inorganic nanoparticles show interesting optical, electronic, and magnetic properties that are strongly dependent on their aggregation or assembly states. Engineering the spatial organization of inorganic nanoparticles into larger or hierarchically ordered structures as macroscopic materials is essential to control their ensemble properties. When hybridizing inorganic nanoparticles with polymers, polymers can direct the self-assembly of inorganic nanoparticles to nanostructures in a controlled manner in two ways. On one hand, polymers have rich self-assembled nanostructures either in solution or in thin films. Co-assembly or post functionalization can integrate inorganic nanoparticles into well-defined nanostructures of polymers. On the other hand, polymers can act as surface ligands to refine the interparticle interaction through weakening the long-range interparticle forces. Polymers as surface ligands also stabilize the assembled nanostructures of inorganic nanoparticles in various media which play a key role in the applications of those hybrid nanostructures in nanomedicine and biosensors. This symposium will be a forum for the community to discuss new polymer-assisted self-assembly of inorganic nanoparticles. A broad range of topics from molecular designs, synthesis, mechanisms, theory modeling to applications of those hybrid materials are welcomed to submit to this symposium.Sponsored by: PMSE + COLL

Organizers: Zhihong Nie, Jie He, Yao Lin, So-Junk Park, Luis M. Liz-Marzán
Email
Hi-Tech Innovations in Bio-Based Polymers: from Fundamentals to Industrial Perspectives

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
Bio-based Hi-Tech polymers are a cornerstone in the transition toward sustainable, high-performance materials for the next generation of advanced and industrial manufacturing. Sponsored by the ACS CELL and PMSE divisions, this symposium will spotlight the pivotal role of green chemistry and biobased polymers in enabling technologically advanced solutions across a broad range of industries using bio-based polymers.

This program will explore how molecular design and structure-property relationships of biobased polymers influence their assembly, functionality, and integration into scalable manufacturing processes. Special emphasis will be placed on innovations in additive manufacturing (including 3D printing and self-morphing materials), and real-world applications in areas such as drug delivery systems, medical diagnostics, development of artificial skin, sustainable concrete, architectural design, energy storage, and environmental remediation.

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of:
• Innovative synthesis and fabrication techniques for renewable and biodegradable polymers, including advanced 3D printing technologies, porous material formation, and reactive processing strategies grounded in green chemistry principles.
• Structure-function correlations at the molecular level that dictate thermal, mechanical, physicochemical, acoustic, and biomedical properties, enabling tailored performance across diverse applications.
• Next-generation energy and electronics applications, including biopolymer-based materials for flexible electronics, batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells, offering lightweight, high-performance, and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional materials.
• Carbon capture and environmental solutions featuring biobased polymer systems designed for CO₂ adsorption, separation membranes, and catalytic platforms
• Industrial case studies demonstrating the successful integration of biobased polymers in advanced manufacturing workflows, with a focus on life cycle assessment (LCA), circular economy models, and economic scalability.
• Emerging multifunctional materials, such as self-healing and stimuli-responsive systems, with applications in smart textiles, soft robotics, and adaptive architectural components.

By bridging polymer chemistry, polymer physics, materials engineering, and additive manufacturing, this symposium aims to inspire innovation in bio-based material solutions. Researchers, engineers, product developers, and industry leaders will find valuable insights into leveraging bio-based polymers to meet high-performance demands.
Sponsored by: CELL + PMSE

Organizers: Tatiana Budtova, David Salas-de la Cruz, Kevin Miller, Shu Yang
Email
Celebrating 97 years of natural fiber materials research

Oral Only
Invited-Only
Starting with the inception of the Institute of Paper Chemistry in 1929 in Appleton Wisconsin, training and research, first in paper science and later more broadly in natural fibers and renewable bioproducts has been enabled by strong partnerships between industry leaders and chemistry researchers. To honor the 97th anniversary of the Institute of Paper Chemistry, which has evolved to become the Georgia Tech Renewable Bioproducts Institute, this symposium will bring together leaders in the core pillars of natural fiber research: new materials, manufacturing, and sustainability. These pillars include themes relevant to CELL and PMSE, reflected in both traditional products that combine paper and polymers, as well as emerging materials like lignocellulosic monomers for new biopolymers. The symposium will also include a student poster session to continue the long tradition of industry-trainee engagement.Sponsored by: PMSE + CELL

Organizers: Blair Brettmann, Carson Meredith, Christopher Luettgen
Email
Circular Economy of Synthetic and Bio-based Polymers: Advances in feedstocks, (bio)degradation, recycling, and chemistry

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
Our society is shifting from a linear economic model (take-make-use-dispose) to a circular economic model (raw-make-use-recycle/regenerate to raw) with the use of recycling and upcycling processes. This symposium focuses on three principles of circularity, designing at the beginning, applying re-approaches during the process, and using biodegradable/bio-sourced for sustainability (green). Scientists, engineers, and technologists interested in the latest developments and advances in this diverse field are highly encouraged to contribute oral and poster presentations and join the discussion. Topics include but are not limited to: 1) Upcycled products from waste-carbon feedstocks – for example, surfactants from waste plastics, chemicals and polymers from waste biomass or CO2; 2) Upcycling Processes and associated techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA); 3) Product Characterization – for example, process-structure-property relationships and property/composition/impurities relative to virgin materials; 4) Recyclable-by-Design Polymers – for example, the design of circular materials using waste carbon and green carbon building blocks.Sponsored by: PMSE + CELL

Organizers: Yujing Tan, Kate Knauer, Dimitrius Collias, Slawomir Lomnicki, Diego Gomez-Maldonado, Yuanqiao Rao
Email
Microplastics

Poster + Oral
Contributed Submission Allowed
The fate of microplastics and water-soluble polymers is a critical issue, yet there is a lack of comprehensive data to inform sound decision-making. This symposium aims to address key questions such as:
• How can we characterize microplastics and water-soluble polymers?
• What methods or standard practices can quantify bioaccumulation and toxicity?
• How do microplastics and water-soluble polymers interact with cells and transport in water and across cell membranes?
• How can we remove these substances from the environment and control their degradation?
• What is the effect of the chemical composition, particle size, shape, or surface chemistry of particles?
• New material development
Sponsored by: COLL+ ANYL + BIOT + PMSE + POLY + TOXI

Organizers: Abigail Nason, Sushil Kanel, Mark Blenner, Rosa Maria Espinosa Marzal, Kevin Goodall, Jing Jin, Alice Savage, Grover P. Miller
Email

Future Symposia for Fall 2026 and beyond will be listed when available.