Material characterization

The silent infiltration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in everyday items presents an urgent health concern for households globally. Often designated as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to environmental degradation, these synthetic substances are found in non-stick cookware, waterproof textiles, and consumer packaging. To establish an effective domestic barrier against these hazards, developing…

Most people barely notice dirt. Maybe you wipe it off your shoes or simply ignore it. But if you are a materials scientist, soil isn’t boring: it is a system in motion. There are minerals, old roots and leaves breaking down, water moving through, air pockets, and a whole microscopic zoo of microbes. Everything is…