Frank S. Bates

Frank S. Bates is a Regents Professor at the University of Minnesota within the College of Science and Engineering. His research program focuses on the thermodynamics and dynamics of polymers, particularly block copolymers, through synthesis, structural analysis, and property evaluation.

• Education:
  • B.S. in Mathematics, State University of New York at Albany (1976)
  • S.M. and Sc.D. in Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1979, 1982)

The research group investigates three core areas: (1) polymer synthesis using anionic and living free-radical polymerization to create model polymers; (2) structural characterization via neutron/X-ray/light scattering and electron microscopy; and (3) property evaluation through rheological and mechanical testing. Their work spans fundamental polymer physics and applied fields like sustainable materials, drug delivery, and microelectronics.

Recent publications highlight nanoscale morphology in tetrablock terpolymers, quasicrystal formation in polymer systems, and commercial applications of block copolymers in composites and pharmaceuticals. Despite no explicit awards listed, his group's continuous funding and high-impact Science/PNAS publications underscore significant recognition.

Collaborations with researchers like Marc Hillmyer and Timothy Lodge and access to facilities such as the Materials Research in Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) enable his program's breadth. Current work emphasizes sustainable polymer design and technological translation of fundamental discoveries.