The events of 9/11/2001 spurred Kornfield's research team to begin searching for polymers that, when added to fuels like kerosene, minimize the risk of explosion after impact. The path to success involved multiple perspectives and personalities over several years. Our quest culminated with some special polymers, known as megasupramolecules, that change the way liquid fuels flow and may one day help reduce fatalities and injuries from plane crashes, auto accidents, and IED attacks on the battlefield. “Market pull” is in a different direction, so start-up Fluid Efficiency is moving forward with “single-injection drag reduction.” Meanwhile, back in the lab at Caltech, entirely unexpected directions opened up—thanks to a willful first year graduate student.

Please contact helen.durand@wayne.edu for the Zoom link.