INMA seminar: Richard J. Spontak, from North Carolina State University
INMA Seminar: Advances in functional and stimuli-responsive thermoplastic elastomers
On 24 February 2026 at 12:00, the Salón de Grados of the Faculty of Sciences (Building A) will host a seminar by the distinguished Professor Richard J. Spontak from North Carolina State University.
About the talk: Titled “Advances in functional and stimuli-responsive thermoplastic elastomers”, Dr Spontak will explore the potential of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) as a versatile and robust technological platform designed to meet a wide range of modern societal needs. TPEs are a class of self-networking macromolecules that are abundantly available, with new variants being synthesised from sustainable sources.
The seminar will address several functional applications of these materials, including:
- Soft materials: Development of super-stretchy, low-modulus, and precisely thermoresponsive materials.
- Sustainability and Energy: Gas-separation membranes for the removal of CO2 and NH3, solar cells designed to mimic leaves, and alternatives to Nafion for efficient green hydrogen production or carbon capture.
- Public health: Highly effective antimicrobial materials capable of killing 99.9999+% of bacteria, fungi, and viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) in approximately 5 minutes.
About the speaker: Richard J. Spontak is a Distinguished Professor who has published over 300 peer-reviewed journal papers and delivered more than 400 invited lectures globally. In recognition of his research, he has received numerous honours, including the ACS Chemistry of Thermoplastic Elastomers Award and the IOM3 Colwyn Medal. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and a member of the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences.
Event details:
- Date: 24 February 2026.
- Time: 12:00.
- Venue: Salón de Grados, Faculty of Sciences (Bldg. A).
- Organiser: Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA).
