The 2009-2011 research program: Polymer Blends for Fuel Cell Technologies
Interns made and characterized polymer blends, mixtures of two polymers, poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, and poly(4,5-vinyl imidizole), PVIm, protonated with a liquid ionic salt, for ultimate use as novel proton exchange membranes for fuel cell technologies. They fabricated films, electro-spun fibers, and/or oriented tapes, and characterized the structure and properties of the resulting materials. This research contributes to a fundamental understanding of the effects of blend composition and thermal treatment on crystal structure of blends, and ultimately on the potential of these new materials to serve as proton exchange membranes for hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

The 2013-2016 research program: Polymers for Advanced Technologies
For 2016, several projects are available to the Interns, including electrospun polymer fibers for guided growth of neurons, and membranes for oil-water separation and provision of clean water. In 2013-2015, interns used electrospinning to create oriented nanoscopic fibers of poly(lactic acid) and studied the impact of crystallization and/or addition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes to the fibers. These fibers are biocompatible and biodegradable, and could be useful to help guide cortical neurons in their growth.

The internship comprises both classroom learning and laboratory exercises, all of which are taught by Tufts University faculty. In the classroom portion, the students learn: 1. chemistry, physics, and engineering aspects of polymers and blends; 2. scientific methods and how to conduct research; 3. communication skills, including scientific writing and making group presentations. Professional interpreters are provided during the classroom sessions. In the laboratory portion, the students gain hands-on experience in making, characterizing, and analyzing materials. Students work in small teams and learn to operate the X-ray diffractometer, thermal calorimeter, infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscope, and electro-spinning apparatus. The interns design experiments, collect data, and analyze their results. The goal is to provide an enriching experience that will strengthen the students' confidence to perform in a scientific and engineering environment. Follow this link to see photos of the students presenting their research results at conferences.