Department of Chemistry

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry

Chemistry, the central science, is an integral part of modern life and forms the basis for advances in nearly all areas of science and technology.  Students and faculty in Chemistry at the University of Maine work together to answer questions related to major societal issues:  energy, the environment, modern materials, and health and medicine.  We invite you to explore our undergraduate and graduate programs and to learn more about our research.  If you have questions or would like to make arrangements for a tour of our department, please contact Dr. Alice Bruce, Chair, 152/271 Aubert Hall, 581-1168/ 581-1182, abruce@maine.edu

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Research Highlights

The research groups of Dr. Carl Tripp and Dr. Will Gramlich are working with the Advanced Structures and Composites Center in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to produce new bio-based materials conducive to 3D printing large, structurally demanding systems and objects, from molds for marine and infrastructure applications to homes. This novel material, made from combining bio-based resins and nanocellulose fibers from wood, aims to be an economical and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional 3D printing feedstocks. Chemistry graduate students Peter Kelly, Grape Senkum, and Sabrina Sultana and undergraduate students Peng Cheng and Zoe Karpman are working to chemically modify cellulose nanofibers to improve composites, manufacturing of the nanocellulose, and drying. A recent publication in Macromolecular Rapid Communications by Peter Kelly, Peng Cheng, and Will Gramlich reports some of these efforts.