MRSEC

Unlocking the Potential of Bottlebrush Polymers: A New Frontier in Self-Assembly

While bottlebrush block copolymers have typically been limited to forming only two basic self-assembled structures, a MRSEC team at the University of Minnesota recently experimented with introducing a third polymer component into the mix.

Encoding Many Properties in One Material Via 3D Printing

Nozzle shape, print parameters tune liquid crystal elastomer morphing

Credit: Lewis Lab

Superalloys resist wear at nearly forge-level heat using new process

Nickel-based spinel oxides show exceptional self-lubrication at extreme temperatures, unlocking potential for aerospace and energy applications

Courtesy of SpaceX

An Inexpensive, DIY Setup Recycles Precious Liquid Helium in the Lab

UCSD researchers recently showed off a system for small labs to conserve helium used to cool sensitive equipment.

Credit: Liya Bi/UCSD

3D-Printed ‘Living Material’ Could Clean Up Contaminated Water

Courtesy of UCSD

New Video Showcases the Value and Benefit of the MRSEC Program

The program serves as a platform for scientists to collaborate and problem solve.

Credit:

A Collective Collaboration

How NSF’s decades-long materials science program has fostered partnerships across scientific fields.

Credit: UNL

Recent Program Highlights

Expanding CAMM’s Impact: REU Summer Outreach with Knoxville Youth

The Center for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing inspired hundreds of high school students during the 2024–2025 school year through lab tours and panel discussions. Over the summer, CAMM expanded its outreach by bringing hands-on STEM workshops directly to younger learners in Knoxville.

Nucleation Dynamics of a Model Biomolecular Liquid

A model phase-separating system of DNA nanostars provides unique access to nucleation physics in a biomolecular context.

Photoinduced Morphology Change in Ionically Compatibilized Copolymer

Previously, UC Santa Barbara MRSEC researchers demonstrated that chain-end functionalization of immiscible polystyrene/polydimethylsiloxane (PS/PDMS) blends with oppositely paired acid and base gro

Read Other Highlights

MRSEC Education Resources and Opportunities

MRSECs support interdisciplinary materials research and education of the highest quality while addressing fundamental problems in science and engineering that are important to society. Read about how MRSECs function along with opportunities they offer in research, collaboration, and outreach and professional development.

Read more about MRSEC Education Resources and Opportunities

Encoding Many Properties in One Material Via 3D Printing

Nozzle shape, print parameters tune liquid crystal elastomer morphing

Read more about Encoding Many Properties in One Material Via 3D Printing

MRSEC Program Overview

Welcome to the internet hub of the Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSEC), a network of Centers located at academic institutions throughout the United States, funded by the National Science Foundation. This website provides organized connections to information and resources at the various MRSECs for the international scientific, industrial, and educational materials research and development communities.

Read more about MRSEC Program Overview

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While bottlebrush block copolymers have typically been limited to forming only two basic self-assembled structures, a MRSEC team at the University of Minnesota recently experimented with introducing a third polymer component into the mix.

Nozzle shape, print parameters tune liquid crystal elastomer morphing

Nickel-based spinel oxides show exceptional self-lubrication at extreme temperatures, unlocking potential for aerospace and energy applications

UCSD researchers recently showed off a system for small labs to conserve helium used to cool sensitive equipment.

The program serves as a platform for scientists to collaborate and problem solve.

How NSF’s decades-long materials science program has fostered partnerships across scientific fields.

Recent Program Highlights