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<h1>Jim Selser's Research Interest</h1>


	Jim Selser and his group (two grad students, one postdoc) will study macromolecular systems.  Presently, the structure and dynamic behavior of a polymer melt (macromolecular liquid) are being investigated using laser light scattering, rheometry and thermal analysis.  The particular polymer being studied is poly(ethylene oxide), a polymer with a variety of practical uses.  Of particular interest is the use of solutions of PEO melts containing dissolved lithium salts for use as "plastic battery" polymer electrolytes.<br><br>

	It turns out that even molten PEO is very hygroscopic, which can be a serious problem since even small amounts of water in PEO can have dramatic and undesirable effects.  The student project for Summer 2004 will be to design and fabricate a chamber assembly for PEO melt samples which will then be used to study the effects on these melts of temperature and moisture under carefully controlled conditions.<br><br>

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