Richard Laine

Richard Laine is a Professor in the Materials Science & Engineering department at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on the synthesis and processing of inorganic-organic hybrid polymers, nanocomposites, and nano-oxide powders, with applications in energy storage, photonic materials, and transparent ceramics. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to materials chemistry.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Southern California (1973)
• B.S. in Chemistry, California State University (1969)

The Laine group specializes in creating nanoscale materials like silsesquioxanes (POSS) and rice hull ash-derived composites, emphasizing controlled periodicity, catalytic properties, and scalable synthesis methods. Their work spans Li-S battery development, thermoplastic extrusion of ceramic preforms, and photophysical hybrid materials.

Notable scientific honors include:

• American Chemical Society Fellow (2015)
• Michigan Green Chemistry Award (2015)
• International Fellow, Polymer Society of Japan (2013)
• American Ceramic Society Fellow (2006)