Dr. Danny Hubbard
Research endeavors focus on the synthesis and characterization of modified polyimides
and their formulation ratios in composite materials. The research work involves the
use of instrumental techniques, e.g., Differential Scanning Calorimetry Thermal Gravimetric
Analysis, and Dynamic Thermomechanical Analysis in the characterization of these materials.
Past studies have shown that polyimides are viable components in high performance
polymer and polymer composite applications. Specifically, a class of polymers known
as polyimides, are modified with amine based end capped functional groups and evaluated
for potential use in high temperature applications. The research work involves the
use of instrumental techniques, e.g., Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermal
Gravimetric Analyses, Thermo-mechanical Analysis, and other physical characterization
techniques in the analysis of polyimides. Research students are involved in monomer/
polymer synthesis, optical microscopy and thermo-mechanical techniques. Dr. Danny
Hubbard’s expertise is in the areas of structure-property relationships, optical and
thermal measurement techniques. He has been responsible for the development of a
variety of semi-crystalline and crystalline structures that find use in high temperature
applications. He has several collaborators in these areas and continues to retain
and pursue his interests, with the aid of extramural grants obtained from funding
agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Currently,
Dr. Danny Hubbard is concentrating his research efforts on nanocomposites, with emphasis
on carbon nanotube dispersed polymer composites, and biodegradable polymers. Undergraduate
students are actively involved in synthesis, thermal mechanical studies, and characterization
of monomers and polymers.
