Thrust Teams

Thrust #1 - PPW Deconstruction

Tunable heterogeneous catalysts and microwave energy for the conversion of plastic packaging waste (PPW) into fuels, lubricants, precision macromolecules, and monomers.

Thrust #2 - PPW Upcycling

Functionalization and upcycling using a) plasma-assisted, catalysis and surface treatment, b) photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylation, and c) enzymatic routes to generate high-value monomers and polymers.

Thrust #3 - Cross-Cutting Tools

New cross-cutting tools driven by AI, PPW characterization, macromolecular property prediction through modeling, and additive manufacturing to enable scientific advances.

Senior Investigators

At the Center for Plastics Innovation, Senior Investigators represent one or more thrusts based on their core knowledge and develop emergent projects through collaboration across thrust boundaries.