L. James Lee

 
 

Professor
  • Polymer Processing and Characterization
  • Advanced Composite Manufacturing
  • Thermoset Polymers
 
(Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1979; B.S., National Taiwan University, 1972)
Phone: (614) 292-2408; Fax: (614) 292-3769 or 9271; E-mail: Lee.31@osu.edu  
Dr. Lee's major interests are to investigate the fundamental aspects and to explore new technologies for reactive polymers and polymeric composites. Processes studied include reaction injection molding (RIM), resin transfer molding (RTM), injection pultrusion, and compression molding of fiber reinforced polymers, e.g. SMC. In most processes, chemical reaction occurs during processing and the interaction of chemical changes and physical changes greatly affects the physical properties of molded products. A better understanding of reaction kinetics, rheological changes and morphological changes will permit optimization of current manufacturing processes and development of novel technologies. Advanced numerical techniques such as finite element methods and percolation methods are used to simulation these processes. Materials studied include polyurethanes and isocyanate based polymers, low shrinkage unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins, crosslinkable acrylics, epoxy, BMI and various interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN). Some of these materials are widely used in automotive and aerospace industries, and others have great potential for structure or specialty applications.

 Dr. Lee is also interested in the modeling, automation, optimization and control of polymerization and thermoplastic processing operations such as extrusion, blending, injection molding, and plastic welding. The approach is to combine knowledge of the process simulation, modern control/automation methods, microcomputer technology and advanced sensor technology in the analysis. Many of Dr. Lee's research projects are being conducted in collaboration with colleagues from this and other departments. These include flow visualization and image analysis in polymer and composite processing with Dr. Brodkey, advanced numerical simulation of reactive flows or two phase flows with mechanical engineering faculty, analysis of hot plate welding and adhesive bonding with welding engineering faculty, development of improved dental materials with dentistry faculty, and analysis of composite materials with industrial and systems engineering faculty.

POTENTIAL THESIS TOPICS

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND HONORS

Professor Lee worked for several years as a research scientist at General Tire & Rubber Company (now GenCorp) in Akron, Ohio. He also worked as a visiting scientist at the Structural Materials Branch at Wright Patterson Air Force Materials Laboratory. He has consulted for many companies in the United States, France and Taiwan. Professor Lee currently serves as the Director of the NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Advanced Polymer and Composite Engineering (CAPCE) at Ohio State, member of Board of Trustees of Edison Polymer Innovation Corporation, editorial board of Journal of International Polymer Processing, and editorial board of Science and Engineering of Composite Materials. He received the College of Engineering Annual Research Accomplishment Award in 1996, the College of Engineering Outstanding Research Awards in 1985, 1988, 1991 and 1995, College of Engineering Harrison Faculty Award for Excellence in Engineering Education in 1989, the Central Ohio Section of AIChE Innovation in Chemical Engineering Award in 1987, and many best paper awards in plastic and composite technique conferences.

SPECIALIZED RESEARCH EQUIPMENT

Equipment includes Nicolet Model Magnus550 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer with Nic-Plan Microscope and ATR set-up; Thermal Analysis Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimeter (Model DSC 2910); Thermal Analysis Differential Photocalorimeter (Model DSC 910S); Waters Gel Permeation Chromatograph; Olympus Model BHS 200 Polarizing/Phase Contrast Microscope; Rheological Testing Center with Normal Force Measurement including Mechanical Spectrometer-Rheometrics RMS-800, Solids Analyzer (Fibers and Films)Rheometrics RSAII, Extensional Rheometer-Rheometrics RFX and Rheometrics Fluids Spectrometer, RFSII; Instron Tensile Tester (Model 1123) and Instron Capillary Rheometer; Haake 3/4" Single Screw Extruder with Slit Die and Capillary Die Rheometers, and FP-1 film Postex for blowing films; Leistritz ZSE-27 Co-rotating and Counter-rotating Intermeshing Twin Screw Extruder; Brabender Model Prep Internal Mixer; Reaction Injection Molding Machine (KraussMaffei STAR 80/40) and Hydraulic Presses (a 150 ton Servo Controlled Press and a 15 ton Kannegiesser RIM Press); Cahn Dynamic Contact Angle Analyzer (Model DCA); Dynamic Light Scattering Goniometer and Time-Resolved Light Scattering Goniometer; Dilatometer; and various Workstation and IBM PCs.


OTHER WEB SITE:

CAPCE Center Homepage

Polymer and Composite Group Homepage

Chemical Engineering Department