Tim Long is the center director of the Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing. He earned his B.S. in chemistry from St. Bonaventure University (New York) and conducted his doctoral studies at Virginia Tech.
Long will lead the integration of fundamental research in novel macromolecular structure and polymerization processes with the development of high-performance macromolecules for advanced technologies, taking full advantage 3D printing techniques to drive sustainable production of unprecedented material designs. This work is expected to impact drug delivery, sustainable feedstocks, stimuli-responsive polymers, adhesives and elastomers using the techniques of block copolymers, engineering polymers, controlled polymerization, and biomaterials needed for improving health and energy storage and production. The Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing will maintain a focus on the principles of green chemistry utilizing click chemistry for efficient functionalization, solvent-free polymerization processes, design of degradable polymers, and development of sustainable precursors for polymer production.
Education
Ph.D., Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. 1987
B. S., Chemistry, St. Bonaventure University, Olean, NY. 1983
Research interests focus on the design of novel polymer structure, measurement of physical properties of polymers, and advanced processing with a focus on additive manufacturing (3D printing). Our research involves integration of the principles of green chemistry with a lens of sustainability as we strive to achieve a circular polymer economy where the end-of-life of next generation polymers is a critical parameter. We promote recycling, reducing, re-using, and redesigning next generation polymers to lessen negative impacts of polymers on our environment and health.
Research Group
Our research group consists of chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, materials scientists and engineers, chemists, and biochemists. We welcome undergraduate researchers, postdoctoral fellows, Professors of Practice, and visiting researchers to help accomplish our goals. We strongly believe that a diversity of thought is essential to solve the grand challenges of our times. We welcome diversity in all forms!
Publications
Publications in the past 5 years
Wen, J. H.; Bean, R. H.; Nayyar, G.; Feller, K.; Scott, P. J.; Williams, C. B.; Long, T. E. Vat Photopolymerization of Synthetic Isoprene Rubber Latexes. ACS Applied Polymer Materials 2024, 6 (4), 2169-2176. DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.3c02604.
Sintas, J. I.; Bean, R. H.; Zhang, R.; Long, T. E. Nonisocyanate Polyurethane Segmented Copolymers from Bis-Carbonylimidazolides. Macromolecular Rapid Communications 2024. DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400057.
Bean, R. H.; Nayyar, G.; Sintas, J. I.; Long, T. E. Waterborne Polyurethane Latexes for Vat Photopolymerization. Acs Applied Polymer Materials 2024, 6 (5), 2789-2798. DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.3c02980.
Alfarhan, S.; Nettles, J.; Prabhudesai, P.; Yu, J. C.; Westover, C.; Tang, T. T.; Wang, W. B.; Chen, X. F.; Seo, S. E.; Li, X. J.; et al. Directing network degradability using wavelength-selective thiol-acrylate photopolymerization. Polymer Chemistry 2024, 15 (12), 1141-1151. DOI: 10.1039/d3py01285a.
Zeng, C.; Rajput, H.; Brown, J. R.; Liu, B. R.; Long, T. E.; Westerhoff, P. Methoxy Substitution Enhances Metal Ion Binding Capacity of the Water-Soluble Spiropyran Copolymer. Acs Applied Polymer Materials 2023, 6 (1), 362-370. DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.3c02062.
Weyhrich, C. W.; Will, J. W.; Nayyar, G.; Westover, C. C.; Patterson, S.; Arrington, C. B.; Williams, C. B.; Long, T. E. Temporally Stable Supramolecular Polymeric Salts Enabling High-Performance 3D All-Aromatic Polyimide Lattices. Small 2023, 19 (32). DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303188.
Sintas, J. I.; Wolfgang, J. D.; Long, T. E. Carbamate thermal decarboxylation for the design of non-isocyanate polyurethane foams. Polymer Chemistry 2023, 14 (13), 1497-1506. DOI: 10.1039/d3py00096f.
Sharma, A.; Bean, R. H.; Long, T. E.; Trovitch, R. J. Efficient Cobalt-Catalyzed Coupling of Amines and Siloxanes to Prepare Ceramics and Polymers. Acs Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2023, 11 (30), 11172-11180. DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c01912.
Liu, B. R.; Spiering, G. A.; McDonough, R. K.; Moore, R. B.; Long, T. E. Guanine and cytosine-containing acrylic supramolecular networks. Journal of Polymer Science 2023. DOI: 10.1002/pol.20230320.
Liu, B. R.; Brown, J. R.; Zeng, C.; Rajput, H.; McDonough, R. K.; Westerhoff, P.; Long, T. E. Spiropyran-containing water-soluble and photoreversible copolymers. Polymer 2023, 272. DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2023.125827.
Khan, Z. M.; Munson, J. M.; Long, T. E.; Vlaisavljevich, E.; Verbridge, S. S. Development of a Synthetic, Injectable Hydrogel to Capture Residual Glioblastoma and Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells with CXCL12-Mediated Chemotaxis. Advanced Healthcare Materials 2023, 12 (14). DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300671.
Heifferon, K. V.; Weyhrich, C. W.; Mondschein, R. J.; Long, T. E. Designing novel semi-aromatic polyesters with dimethyl 3,30-bibenzoate. Polymer International 2023, 72 (8), 687-692. DOI: 10.1002/pi.6535.
de Pariza, X. L.; Varela, O.; Catt, S. O.; Long, T. E.; Blasco, E.; Sardon, H. Recyclable photoresins for light-mediated additive manufacturing towards Loop 3D printing. Nature Communications 2023, 14 (1). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41267-w.
Brown, J. R.; Madsen, M. D.; Ates, A.; Islam, R.; Ham, S.; Agbo, B.; Nikoo, K. K.; Lattimer, B. Y.; Qiao, R.; Xie, R. X.; et al. Revealing foam stability for cationic and zwitterionic triethylsilyl-containing surfactants. Physics of Fluids 2023, 35 (7). DOI: 10.1063/5.0152198.
Bean, R. H.; Rau, D. A.; Williams, C. B.; Long, T. E. Rheology guiding the design and printability of aqueous colloidal composites for additive manufacturing. Journal of Vinyl & Additive Technology 2023, 29 (4), 607-616. DOI: 10.1002/vnl.22010.
Barker, C. M.; Nayyar, G.; Chase, T. P.; Long, T. E. Solvent-free vat photopolymerization of unsaturated polyesters: Structure-property relationships for depolymerization. Mrs Communications 2023, 13 (5), 841-847. DOI: 10.1557/s43579-023-00388-5.
Aguirre, M.; Ballard, N.; Gonzalez, E.; Hamzehlou, S.; Sardon, H.; Calderon, M.; Paulis, M.; Tomovska, R.; Dupin, D.; Bean, R. H.; et al. Polymer Colloids: Current Challenges, Emerging Applications, and New Developments. Macromolecules 2023, 56 (7), 2579-2607. DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.3c00108.
Liu, B.; Brown, J. R.; Zeng, C.; Rajput, H.; McDonough, R. K.; Westerhoff, P.; Long, T. E., Spiropyran-containing water-soluble and photoreversible copolymers. Polymer 2023, 272, 125827.
Weyhrich, C. W.; Will, J. W.; Heifferon, K. V.; Brown, J. R.; Arrington, C. B.; Meenakshisundaram, V.; Williams, C. B.; Long, T. E., 3D-Printing of Poly(arylene ether sulfone)s: Functional High-Performance Polymers for Vat Photopolymerization. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 2023,224 (1).
Weyhrich, C. W.; Petrova, S. P.; Edgar, K. J.; Long, T. E., Renewed interest in biopolymer composites: incorporation of renewable, plant-sourced fibers. Green Chemistry 2023,25 (1), 106-129.
Long, T. E., Nurturing a global choir of perspective. Polymer International 2023,72 (2), 143-144.
Brown, J. R.; Herzberger, J.; Spiering, G. A.; Wilts, E.; Moore, R. B.; Long, T. E., Binary Thiol-Acrylate Photopolymerization for the Design of Degradable Acetal-Functionalized Hydrogels. Acs Applied Polymer Materials 2023,5 (1), 1030-1036.
Weyhrich, C. W.; Long, T. E., Additive manufacturing of high-performance engineering polymers: present and future. Polymer International 2022,71 (5), 532-536.
Khan, Z. M.; Wilts, E.; Vlaisavljevich, E.; Long, T. E.; Verbridge, S. S., Electroresponsive Hydrogels for Therapeutic Applications in the Brain. Macromolecular Bioscience 2022,22 (2).
Arrington, A. S.; Long, T. E., Influence of carboxytelechelic oligomer molecular weight on the properties of chain extended polyethylenes. Polymer 2022,259.
Abd-El-Aziz, A. S.; Antonietti, M.; Barner-Kowollik, C.; Binder, W. H.; Boker, A.; Boyer, C.; Buchmeiser, M. R.; Cheng, S. Z. D.; D'Agosto, F.; Floudas, G.; Frey, H.; Galli, G.; Genzer, J.; Hartmann, L.; Hoogenboom, R.; Ishizone, T.; Kaplan, D. L.; Leclerc, M.; Lendlein, A.; Liu, B.; Long, T. E.; Ludwigs, S.; Lutz, J. F.; Matyjaszewski, K.; Meier, M. A. R.; Mullen, K.; Mullner, M.; Rieger, B.; Russell, T. P.; Savin, D. A.; Schluter, A. D.; Schubert, U. S.; Seiffert, S.; Severing, K.; Soares, J. B. P.; Staffilani, M.; Sumerlin, B. S.; Sun, Y. M.; Tang, B. Z.; Tang, C. B.; Theato, P.; Tirelli, N.; Tsui, O. K. C.; Unterlass, M. M.; Vana, P.; Voit, B.; Vyazovkin, S.; Weder, C.; Wiesner, U.; Wong, W. Y.; Wu, C.; Yagci, Y.; Yuan, J. Y.; Zhang, G. Z., The Next 100 Years of Polymer Science. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 2020,221 (16).
Cao, K.; Serrano, J. M.; Liu, T. Y.; Stovall, B. J.; Xu, Z.; Arrington, C. B.; Long, T. E.; Odle, R. R.; Liu, G. L., Impact of metal cations on the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of telechelic sulfonated polyetherimides. Polymer Chemistry 2020,11 (2), 393-400.
Cao, K.; Stovall, B. J.; Arrington, C. B.; Xu, Z.; Long, T. E.; Odle, R. R.; Liu, G. L., Facile Preparation of Halogen-Free Poly(ether imide) Containing Phosphonium and Sulfonate Groups. Acs Applied Polymer Materials 2020,2 (1), 66-73.
Chen, X.; Spiering, G. A.; Slebodnick, C.; Long, T. E.; Moore, R. B., Deciphering the 3D Microstructures of a Doubly Charged Homopolymer through a Complementary Correlation of Monomer Crystallography and Polymer Powder X-ray Diffraction. Macromolecules 2020,53 (15), 6529-6537.
Chen, X.; Zawaski, C. E.; Spiering, G. A.; Liu, B. E.; Orsino, C. M.; Moore, R. B.; Williams, C. B.; Long, T. E., Quadruple Hydrogen Bonding Supramolecular Elastomers for Melt Extrusion Additive Manufacturing. Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces 2020,12 (28), 32006-32016.
Dennis, J. M.; Mondschein, R. J.; Wolfgang, J. D.; Hegde, M.; Odle, R.; Long, T. E., Synthesis and Characterization of Long-Chain Branched Poly(ether imide)s with A(3) Comonomers. Acs Applied Polymer Materials 2020,2 (2), 958-965.
Ju, L.; Mondschein, R. J.; Vandenbrande, J. A.; Arrington, C. B.; Long, T. E.; Moore, R. B., Phosphonated Poly(ethylene terephthalate) ionomers as compatibilizers in extruded Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Poly(m-xylylene adipamide) blends and oriented films. Polymer 2020,205.
Scott, P. J.; Kasprzak, C. R.; Feller, K. D.; Meenakshisundaram, V.; Williams, C. B.; Long, T. E., Light and latex: advances in the photochemistry of polymer colloids. Polymer Chemistry 2020,11 (21), 3498-3524.
Scott, P. J.; Meenakshisundaram, V.; Hegde, M.; Kasprzak, C. R.; Winkler, C. R.; Feller, K. D.; Williams, C. B.; Long, T. E., 3D Printing Latex: A Route to Complex Geometries of High Molecular Weight Polymers. Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces 2020,12 (9), 10918-10928.
Scott, P. J.; Rau, D. A.; Wen, J. H.; Nguyen, M.; Kasprzak, C. R.; Williams, C. B.; Long, T. E., Polymer-inorganic hybrid colloids for ultraviolet-assisted direct ink write of polymer nanocomposites. Additive Manufacturing 2020,35.
Scott, P. J.; Spiering, G. A.; Wang, Y. Y.; Seibers, Z. D.; Moore, R. B.; Kumar, R.; Lokitz, B. S.; Long, T. E., Phosphonium-Based Polyzwitterions: Influence of Ionic Structure and Association on Mechanical Properties. Macromolecules 2020,53 (24), 11009-11018.
Wen, C. Y.; Liu, B. H.; Wolfgang, J.; Long, T. E.; Odle, R.; Cheng, S. F., Determination of glass transition temperature of polyimides from atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and machine-learning algorithms. Journal of Polymer Science 2020,58 (11), 1521-1534.
White, B. T.; Migliore, J. M.; Mapesa, E. U.; Wolfgang, J. D.; Sangoro, J.; Long, T. E., Isocyanate- and solvent-free synthesis of melt processible polyurea elastomers derived from urea as a monomer. Rsc Advances 2020,10 (32), 18760-18768.
Wilts, E. M.; Gula, A.; Davis, C.; Chartrain, N.; Williams, C. B.; Long, T. E., Vat photopolymerization of liquid, biodegradable PLGA-based oligomers as tissue scaffolds (vol 130, 109693, 2020). European Polymer Journal 2020,132.
Wilts, E. M.; Gula, A.; Davis, C.; Chartrain, N.; Williams, C. B.; Long, T. E., Vat photopolymerization of liquid, biodegradable PLGA-based oligomers as tissue scaffolds. European Polymer Journal 2020,130.
Wilts, E. M.; Long, T. E., Sustainable additive manufacturing: predicting binder jettability ofwater-soluble, biodegradable and recyclable polymers. Polymer International.
Wilts, E. M.; Long, T. E., Thiol-eneaddition enables tailored synthesis of poly(2-oxazoline)-graft-poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) copolymers for binder jetting3Dprinting. Polymer International 2020,69 (10), 902-911.
Dennis, J. M.; Mondschein, R. J.; Wolfgang, J. D.; Hegde, M.; Odle, R.; Long, T. E., Synthesis and Characterization of Long-Chain Branched Poly(ether imide)s with A(3) Comonomers. Acs Applied Polymer Materials 2020,2 (2), 958-965.
Zhang, K.; Fahs, G. B.; Margaretta, E.; Hudson, A. G.; Moore, R. B.; Long, T. E., Acetyl-protected cytosine and guanine containing acrylics as supramolecular adhesives. Journal of Adhesion 2019,95 (2), 146-167.
Research Activity
Our research group typically publishes 12-15 peer-reviewed articles per year, and students are encouraged to submit manuscripts throughout their graduate experience. Our group also travels to conferences to showcase our research including both national and regional meetings. Students also have the opportunity to participate in an external internship that aligns with their research programs.