University of Tennessee Sustainable Technology through Advanced Interdisciplinary Research (STAIR) PhD Program

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Undergraduate Summer Research Posters Knoxville, TN, July 23, 2013 The UT Computational Materials Research Group welcomed two undergraduate researchers to its ranks through a summer program sponsored by the Center for Materials Processing at the University of Tennessee. The students presented their work at an exhibit of undergraduate research on July 23, 2013. Duncan Greeley worked on a project using molecular dynamics simulation to understand the nanostructure of chitosan membranes. Chitosan offered a renewable and biodegradable alternative to plastic film packaging for foods using films not derived from fossil fuels. The challenge is to understand how to modify the nanostructure to reduce the permeability of the film to oxygen in high humidity environments. Duncan was co-advised by Prof. Kevin Kit and Prof. David Keffer. He was mentored by CBE PhD student, Mr. Marshall McDonnell. Trevor Gregory worked on a project using molecular dynamics simulation to understand the stability of methane hydrates. A significant amount of methane (natural gas) is stored in the form of hydrates. The ability to extract methane while replacing it with carbon dioxide offers the potential for a carbon neutral fuel. Trevor was co-advised by Prof. Claudia Rawn and Prof. David Keffer. He was mentored by CBE PhD student, Ms. Qianping He.