# Polymerizations at Interfaces and in Interphases

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Texas A&M University (TX) · $465,000

## Abstract

PART 1: NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

This research proposal will develop the knowledge required to create capsules with liquid core and polymers shells, in which the liquid core is pure, and the properties of the shell can be fine-tuned for a desired application. Capsules are used in a broad range of technologies including those for medicine, food science, energy discovery, textiles and the like. The fundamental issue that the proposed research will address is how to localize precursors to the polymer shell (monomers and initiators) such that the shell is grown around the liquid droplet, essentially shrink wrapping it. To this end, emulsions will be used as a platform for capsule formation, with droplets of one liquid in a continuous phase of the other (the droplet will become the core liquid). The ability to produce such capsules is important for creating new materials that meet societal needs; for example, capsules with a protective polymer shell and core of a salt hydrate solid-liquid phase change material can be used to passively manage heat, so that air conditioning does not have to be used as often. An important component to consider is that for these capsules to be used multiple times, the shell must be strong enough to prevent leakage but also impermeable so that the composition does not change. Notably, this research can be applied to different core liquids and polymer shells relevant to other applications, such as for carbon capture, pesticide delivery, or additive manu

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2528297
- **Awardee organization:** Texas A&M University (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JF6XLNB4CDJ5
- **PI:** Emily B Pentzer
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD, Nanomaterials, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $465,000
- **Funds obligated:** $465,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2528297

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2528297, Polymerizations at Interfaces and in Interphases. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2528297. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*