Benny Freeman head shot photo

Professor, Chemical Engineering, UT Austin

Faculty Investigator, IRG 1

My research program explores the relationship between polymer structure, processing and properties. More specifically, we study the effect of polymer structure on the solubility, diffusivity, and permeability of small molecules in polymers and polymer-based materials. These fundamental studies bear directly upon membranes for liquid, gas, and vapor separations; controlled drug delivery devices and techniques; barrier plastics for food and specialty packaging; monomer and solvent removal from formed polymers; and physical aging of glassy polymeric materials and membranes.

Current projects

  • Next Generation Gas Separation Membrane Materials
  • Bioinspired Membranes to Control Fouling of Water Purification Membranes
  • Fundamentals of Water and Ion Transport in Membranes to Water Purification
  • Fundamentals of Fouling of Porous Membranes for Water Purification