Chris Macosko
Professor Emeritus
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Professor Emeritus
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Professor Emeritus
Chris Macosko focused on using flow and chemical reactions to create new multiphase nano- and micro-structured polymeric materials.
Macosko's research was centered around polymer processing, with special emphasis on the structure-function relation between polymer morphology and the associated rheological, mechanical, electronic, and other physical properties. He made significant contributions toward understanding the rheology of polymer materials, such as the characterization of network formation during gelation, the elasticity of foams, interfacial area generation in reactive blends, and the viscoelastic character of polymer composites. Macosko's research has addressed a broad range of polymer processing operations including reaction injection molding, extrusion, melt blowing, and coating. His research interests included nanoparticle reinforced polymer composites, polymer blend compatiblization, and polymerization with phase separation. His work with Douglas Miller on recursive relations to describe nonlinear polymerization and crosslinking was recognized with the ACS Goodyear Medal in 2023.
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Ph.D. Graduates and Postdocs
Julio Ottino, Jose Castro, UT Sundararaj, Steve Rankin, Heon Park, Rong Ming Ho, Takushi Sato, Milan Maric, James Lee, Patrick Lee, Manas-Zloczower, Sue Bidstrup, Mirta Arenguren, Randy Ewoldt, Frederick Lortie, Victor Gonzalez Romero, Maria Hernandez, Libor Matejka, Moshe Gottlieb, Enrique Valles, Yong Tae Park, Bong Jin Moon, Dae Su Kim, Moo Sung Lee.
In 1970, Macosko joined the University of Minnesota and become the first assistant professors in the then newly combined department of chemical engineering and materials science.
His research on polymers served as a bridge between the two disciples. His leadership helped attract other faculty in this area and contributed to the international reputation in polymers at the University of Minnesota. He cofounded Rheometrics which became part of TA Instruments. a leading manufacturer of rheometers.
Macosko has taught short courses for many years on reaction injection molding and on rheological measurements that have attracted industrial interest. In 1974 Macosko founded the University’s popular rheology summer course which still continues. In 1990 helped launch a similar course a KU Lueven in Belgium. His text book “Rheology: Principles, Measurements and Applications” is on most rheologists desks around the world. He is currently completing a second edition with Randy Ewoldt and Gareth McKinley.