Primary interests include developing new conductive polymer compositions and developing quantitative a relationships) for constructing conjugating conductive polymers with predictable optical, electrical, and electrochemical properties. Classes of polymers being studied comprise polyaromatics and polyheteroaromatics, as well as poly(arylene vinylenes) and their non-conjugated precursors. Recently, metal complexes of conjugated polyheteroaromatics are being developed with rich electrochemistry, chirality, and optical properties. New synthetic methods for the development of high molecular weight polymers are also being explored. Applications being developed for conjugated polymers include electroluminescent displays, lightweight superconductors, and corrosion preventive coatings for steel, and other passivating metals.
Mechanistic Organic and Polymer Chemistry
Studies focus on the preparation and reactivity of various quinodimethane intermediates and polymerization to high molecular weight polymers. Further, we are investigating novel, non-redox methods for doping conjugated polymers to highly conductive compositions.
Materials Science of Conjugated Polymers
Studies here are concerned with the macroscopic solid-state properties of highly conjugated polymers. Our efforts are directed at developing an understanding of how polymer preparation, processing and post-processing fabrication can influence the ultimate conductive and mechanical properties of conjugated polymers and blends.
Environmentally Friendly Lubricants
Discovery and development of new lubricant additives to reduce or replace ZDDP are being developed for application in advanced greases and engine oils. These additives in finished engine oils provide reduced phosphorous and sulphur emissions thereby increasing the life of catalytic converters in automobiles and reducing air polutants.
"Mannich Reactions of Annulated Thiophene Derivatives," Chen, Xin; Elsenbaumer, Ronald L., Tetrahedron Letters, 50, 3746-3749. Category: Journal Articles
2009
"Synthesis of Thieno[3,4-d]-1,3-dithiol-2-one Derivatives," Chen, Xin; Elsenbaumer, Ronald L., Tetrahedron Letters, 50, 3750-3752. Category: Journal Articles
2007
Published "TEM Studies of Anti-Wear Films/Wear Particles Generated Under Boundary Conditions Lubrication," Huq, M.Z.; Aswath, P.B.; Elsenbaumer, R.L., Tribology International,2007, 40, 111-116, Category: Journal Articles
Peer reviewed
2006
Published “A Mild Copper Catalyzed Route to Conducting Polyaniline,” Dias, H.V.Rasika; Wang, Ziaoyu; Rajapakse, R.M. Gamini; Elsenbaumer, Ronald L., Chemical Communications, 2006, 1-4. Category: Journal Articles
Peer reviewed
2005
Published “Efficient Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Bibenzimidazole Oligomers and Polymers as Potential Conjugated Chelating Ligands”, Yin, Jun; Elsenbaumer, Ronald L, Journal of Organic Chemistry (2005), 70(23), 9436-9446. Category: Journal Articles
Peer reviewed
Presentations and Projects
Invited Presentation: ,"Metal Complexed Conjugated Polymers and Their Electrical Properties," SPRING First Annual Symposium, Austin, Texas, August 25-27, 2003.
Invited Paper: “High Performance Lubricants and Coatings by Catalyzed PTFE Modification of Metal Surfaces.” Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, Pranesh Aswath, Gabi Nehme, Krupal Patel, Hiroshi Ito, Xin Chen, Chuck Savage, European Coatings Conference- Smart Coatings II, Berlin, Germany, June 16 – 17, 2003.
Invited Paper: “High Performance Lubricants and Coatings by Catalyzed PTFE Modification of Metal Surfaces.” Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, Pranesh Aswath, Gabi Nehme, Krupal Patel, Hiroshi Ito, Xin Chen, Chuck Savage, Fluorine in Coatings V, the fifth Global Conference on Fluorine in Coatings, Orlando, Florida, January 21-23, 2003.
Invited Presentation: Md. Meser Ali, Mahn-Jong Kim, Jon Hardesy, Dennis Marynick, and Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, “Metal Complexed Conjugated Polymers and Their Electrical Properties,” Symposium Honoring Alan MacDiarmid’s 75th Birthday, University of Texas at Dallas, December 6-7, 2002.
Invited Paper: “Metal Complexed Conjugated Polymers and Their Electrical Properties,” The International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Shanghai, China, June 29 – July 5, 2002.
Special Meeting Presentation: “Catalyzed PTFE Bonding to Metal Surfaces: New Advances in Lubrication Technology”, Ronald. L. Elsenbaumer, STLE Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Meeting, April 10, 2001.
Conference Presentation: “From One-Dimensional Conductors to Higher Dimensional Supramolecular Architectures and Devices: Design Strategies and Problems”, R. L. Elsenbaumer, S. Satyanarayana, and D. S. Marynick, Polymer Section of the American Chemical Society Meeting, Anaheim, California, March 21-25, 1999.
Conference Poster Presentation: “Towards Enhanced Conductivity in Supramolecular Structures: A Computational Study”, S. Satyanarayana, D. S. Marynick, and R. L. Elsenbaumer, Polymer Section of the American Chemical Society Meeting, Anaheim, California, March 21-25, 1999.
Conference Presentation: “Industrial Internships and the Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry at the University of Texas at Arlington”, R. L. Elsenbaumer, D. Marynick, G. Kinsel, and A. Ternay, Jr., Chem Ed. Section of the American Chemical Society Meeting, Dallas, Texas, March 29 - April 2, 1998.
Conference Poster Presentation: “Bridged Ladder Type Polytetrathiafulvalene Systems: Toward Highly Extended Organic Metals, R.L. Elsenbaumer, R.L. Meline, I.T. Kim, J. Chen, and S. Basak, Polymer Section of the American Chemical Society Meeting, Dallas, Texas, March 29 - April 2, 1998.
Conference Poster Presentation: “Synthesis and Properties of Regioregular Poly[dialkyl-(2,2’-bithiophene)-5,5’-diyl-4,4’-dicarboxylates]”, Yang Cheng, R. K. Kasim, R. L. Elsenbaumer, and M. Pomerantz, Polymer Section of the American Chemical Society Meeting, Dallas, Texas, March 29 - April 2, 1998.
Invited Conference Presentation: “The Corrosion Protection of Metals by Conductive Polymers II: Pitting Corrosion”, R. L. Elsenbaumer and W.K. Lu, ANTEC, Society of Plastics Engineers Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, April 26-30, 1998.
Conference Presentation: “The Tuning of Heterocyclic Isomerization: Additional Routes to Extended Donors”, R.L. Elsenbaumer and R. L. Meline, International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Montpellier, France, July 12-18, 1998.
Conference Poster Presentation: “Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(quinoline vinylene) for Application in Polymer Light Emitting Diodes”, R.K. Kasim and R.L. Elsenbaumer, International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Montpellier, France, July 12-18, 1998.
Conference Poster Presentation: “ Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Bis(3,4-Furyldimethylthio)tetrathiafulvalene and other Extended Donors, R. L. Meline and R. L. Elsenbaumer, International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Montpellier, France, July 12-18, 1998.
Conference Poster Presentation: “Poly(3-Alkylthiophenes): Optimizing Conductivity and other Properties as a Function of Stereoregularity, Dopant ion, and Casting Solvent”, R. L. Meline and R.L. Elsenbaumer, International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Montpellier, France, July 12-18, 1998.
Conference Poster Presentation: “Benzene Modulated Tetrathiafulvalene Tetrathiolate Donors: Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties”, R.L. Meline and R.L. Elsenbaumer, International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Montpellier, France, July 12-18, 1998.
Conference Poster Presentation: “Novel Conjugated Heterocyclic Coordination Polymer: Synthesis and Characterization”, S. Satyanarayana and R.L. Elsenbaumer, International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Montpellier, France, July 12-18, 1998.
Conference Presentation: “Synthesis And Electroluminescence Study Of A Novel Copolymer : Poly(Phenylene Vinylene-Co-Quinoline Vinylene)”, Materials Research Society Meeting, December 1-5, 1997
Conference Presentation: “Preparation and Electroluminescence Studies of Poly(alkyl thiophene-3-carboxylates)”, Fifth Chemical Congress of North America, Cancun, Mexico, November 11-15, 1997
Invited Tutorial: “Corrosion Protection of Metals Principles and Practice” Corrosion Workshop, Intellegent Polymer Research Institute, the University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia, September 15-16, 1997
Invited Lecture: “Corrosion Protection of Metals Using Electrically Conductive Polymers” Corrosion Workshop, Intellegent Polymer Research Institute, the University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia, September 15-16, 1997
Conference Presentation: “Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(quinoline vinylene) for Use as an N-layer in Light Emitting Diodes” Materials Research Society Meeting, April 1, 1997
Invited Lecture: "Highly Conductive Poly(arylene vinylene)s: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Highly Versatile Materials" The University of Alabama, Feb. 13, 1997
Conference Presentation: “A Study of Electroluminescent Characteristics of Poly(octylthiophene-3-carboxylate) with Emphasis on Failure Mechanisms in Polymer Light Emitting Diodes” Materials Research Society Meeting, December 5, 1996
Conference Presentation: “Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(1-alkyl pyrrylene vinylene): Electronic verses Steric Effects on N-Substituted Polypyrrole Conductive Polymers” Materials Research Society Meeting, December 4, 1996
Invited Presentation: “Corrosion Protection of Metals By Electrically Conductive Polymers” Southeast Regional American Chemical Society Meeting, Nov. 10, 1996
Invited Lecture: “Synthesis and Properties of Low Bandgap Conjugated Polymers” The University of Michigan, November 5, 1996
Invited Presentation: “Preparation and Properties of Some New Low Band Gap Conductive Polymers” International Symposium: Polymers for Electronic and Photonic Applications, Oct. 22-23, 1996.
Invited Conference Tutorial Presentation: “Corrosion Protection of Metals By Electrically Conductive Polymers” International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Snowbird, Utah, July 28-August 2, 1996
Conference Presentation: “Investigation of Device Failure Mechanisms in Polymer Light Emitting Diodes” International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Snowbird, Utah, July 28-August 2, 1996
Conference Presentation: “Poly(alkylthiophene-3-carboxylate): Synthesis, Properties, and Electroluminescent Studies of a Polythiophene with a Carbonyl Group Attached to the Ring” International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Snowbird, Utah, July 28-August 2, 1996
Conference Poster Presentation: “A Convenient Non-Coupling Synthesis of Bis(ethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene)” International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Snowbird, Utah, July 28-August 2, 1996
Conference Poster Presentation: “Forward/Reverse DC Bias or AC Electroluminescence Comparison in Poly(phenylene vinylene) Prepared via Sulfonium Salt and Xanthate Routes” International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Snowbird, Utah, July 28-August 2, 1996
Conference Poster Presentation: “Chemical Synthesis and Properties of Poly(1-alkyl-2,5-pyrrolylene)” International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Snowbird, Utah, July 28-August 2, 1996
Conference Poster Presentation: “Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Poly(1-hexylpyrrylene vinylene)” International Conference on Synthetic Metals, Snowbird, Utah, July 28-August 2, 1996
Affiliations
Professional
International Advisory Board for the International Conferences on Synthetic Metals
Honorary Member, Executive Board of the National Institute for Emerging Technology
Board Member, Bio-DFW
Foundation Board Member, Chamber of Commerce, Arlington, TX
Materials Research Society Academic Affairs Committee
University Materials Council
Past Member, Editorial Advisory Board for the journal Chemistry of Materials
American Chemical Society
Materials Research Society
Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering (SAMPE)
Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
ASM International
NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers)
Appointments
Duration
Rank
Department / School
College / Office
University / Company
2008-present
Vice President for Research and Federal Relations
Office of the Vice President for Research
University of Texas at Arlington
1991-present
Professor
Chemistry and Biochemistry; Materials Science and Engineering
College of Science and College of Engineering
University of Texas at Arlington
2007-2008
Interim Provost
Office of the Provost and V. P. for Academic Affairs
University of Texas at Arlington
2004-2007
Vice President for Research
Office of the Vice President For Research
University of Texas at Arlington
2003-2004
Director
Nano-Fabrication Research and Teaching Facility
University of Texas at Arlington
2003-2004
Interim Vice President
Office of the Vice President For Research
University of Texas at Arlington
2002-2003
Interim Director
Nano-Fabrication Research and Teaching Facility
University of Texas at Arlington
1996-2003
Chair
Chemistry and Biochemistry
College of Science
University of Texas at Arlington
1991-2003
Chairman/Director
Materials Science and Engineering
College of Engineering
University of Texas at Arlington
1989-1991
Senior Research Associate & Conductive Polymer Project Leader
Corporate Research
Allied Signal Corporation
1982-1989
Research Associate and Group Leader
Corporate Research
Allied Signal Corporation
1980-1982
Senior Research Chemist
Corporate Research
Allied Signal Corporation
1977-1980
Research Chemist III
Corporate Research
Allied Signal Corporation
2003
Associate Vice President
Office of Research
University of Texas at Arlington
Synergistic Activities
Committee & Administrative Service:
Long Range Strategic Planning Committee –University
Council of Deans
Past Chair, Association of Academic Department Chairs (University wide)
Committee on Program Abandonment (University)
Task Force on Intercollegiate Athletics (University)
Chair, Search Committee for Chair in Computer Science and Engineering
Chair, Search Committee for Director for Automation and Robotics Institute
Chair, Search Committee for $2million Endowed
Chair in Materials Chemistry
Member, Executive Council, College of Engineering (College)
Support
Duration
Title
Sponsor
Amount
Status
9/96-1/99
Acquisition of a 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer for Research and Training in Chemistry
National Science Foundation
140,000
Previous
9/92-8/95
Superconductive Organic Polymers: Conceptual Design, Synthesis, and Characterization
AFOSR
550,000
Previous
9/1/99-8/31/00
Low Temperature Teflon Bonding to Metal Surfaces
Platinum Research Organization
50,055
Previous
7/26/99-12/31/00
ESCA Analyses of Samples for Effective Dose Formulation
Inhale Therapeutics Systems
4,000
Previous
6/98-5/00
Designed Intermolecular Orbital Overlap in Supramolecular Architectures Derived From Linear Conjugated Molecules Self-assembled by Metal Ion Complexation
Robert A. Welch Foundation
135,000
Previous
6/95-5/98
Designed Intermolecular Orbital Overlap in Supramolecular Architectures Derived From Linear Conjugated Molecules Self-assembled by Metal Ion Complexation
Robert A. Welch Foundation
103,000
Previous
6/92-5/94
Quantitative Structure/Property Relationships in Conjugated Organic Molecules
Robert A. Welch Foundation
61,000
Previous
6/15/03-5/31/06
Greener, Controllable, Metal Mediated Route to Polyanilines
National Science Foundation
390,000
Current
6/01-5/04
Designed Intermolecular Orbital Overlap in Supramolecular Architectures Derived From Linear Conjugated Molecules Self-assembled by Metal Ion Complexation
Robert A. Welch Foundation
150,000
Previous
4/95-12/95
Fundamental Investigations Relating to the Formation of Strong Adhesive Bonds to Highly Oriented High Density Polyethylene
Texas Instruments
15,000
Previous
4/28/99-5/31/99
SEM and TEM Analyses of Semiconductor Materials
Texas Instruments
5,700
Previous
2/15/03-2/28/06
Upgrade of a 300 MHz NMR Spectrometer for Teaching and Research
National Science Foundation
164,950
Previous
2/02-2/03
Characterization of Electrical, Electromigration and Electro-Thermal Fatigue Properties of Ultra-fine Copper Interconnects
SEMATECH
92,831.95
Previous
1996-2003
For establishment of Endowed Chair in Chemistry Department
Robert A. Welch Foundation
1,000,000
Previous
11/1/98-8/31/99
SEM and TEM Analyses of Semiconductor Wafers
Ball Semiconductor
3,600
Previous
10/18/00-10/17/01
In-Situ Catalyzed Formation of Low Coefficient-of Friction Coatings Bonded to Metal Surfaces
Platinum Research Organization
86,137
Previous
10/15/03-10/14/08
Nano Infrastructure Improvement
U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development
500,000
Current
1/99-12/31/00
Preparation of New Flame Retardant Compositions for Evaluation in Polymer Blends
UVTEC
7,000
Previous
1/96-8/98
The Next Generation of Highly Conductive Polymers: Synthetic Strategies and Fabrication of Nearly Defect Free Structures
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (ARP)
189,508
Previous
1/94-8/96
Light Emitting Polymers: New Materials and Device Designs for Efficient Electronic Displays
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (ATP)
220,000
Previous
1/1/05-12/31/05
Development of Low Phosphorous Engine Oil Lubricants
Platinum Research Organization
100,000
Previous
1/1/04-12/31/05
Environmentally Friendly Route to Commercially Important Conducting Polymers
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
152,000
Previous
1/1/02-8/31/04
Environmentally Friendly High Performance Lubricants and Anti-icing Aircraft Coatings
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
235,000
Previous
1/1/02-8/31/04
In-Situ Catalyzed Formation of Low Coefficient-of Friction Coatings Bonded to Metal Surfaces
Platinum Research Organization
250,000
Previous
1/1/02-6/30/02
New Flame Retardant Compositions
UVTEC
5,000
Previous
07/01/03-06/31/05
Nano Research Instrumentation
Office of Naval Research
2,300,000
Previous
06/01/05-05/31/08
Nano Seed Research & Instrumentation Acquisition
Air Force Office of Scientific Research
2,000,000
Current
05/01/05-09/30/05
Nano Research Instrumentation
Air Force Office of Scientific Research
1,930,000
Previous
News Articles
Researchers' work on oil additive may save money and
lead to cleaner air
Traffic jams are inevitable in major metropolitan areas. But with TechroBOND, at least drivers can breathe cleaner air while waiting. The oil additive is environmentally friendly, says UTA Professor Ronald Elsenbaumer, because it is nonpolluting for a car's catalytic converter.
Spaniolo names VP for researchRonald Elsenbaumer has been interim VP for 5 months and will continue in that role.
Interim Vice President Ronald Elsenbaumer was named vice president for research by interim Provost Dana Dunn and President James Spaniolo on Monday."Informally, I received input from faculty and others and they gave an enthusiastic endorsement for Dr. Elsenbaumer," Spaniolo said.Dr. Elsenbaumer has been interim vice president for research for five months. He will begin the permanent position April 15.
Testimony of Dr. Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, Interim Vice President for Research, the University of Texas at Arlington
Nanotechnology will be the driving force for developing smaller, lighter, more energy efficient, less costly, and stronger materials, devices and processes by fostering the creation of new functional materials and devices that exhibit novel phenomena and properties at the nanometer length scale.
The National Lubricating Grease Institute recently presented its Clarence E. Earle Memorial Award to Vice President for Research Dr. Ron Elsenbaumer and Materials Science & Engineering Professor Pranesh Aswath for a paper they wrote, “Development of a High Performance, Low Molybdenum Disulfide Grease.” Dr. Aswath presented the paper at the Institute’s annual meeting last year. It is the highest technical award that the National Lubrication and Grease Institute bestows, given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the literature of lubricating greases.
Issued U.S. Patents
“Coated Sheet Method”
USPTO Patent# 6,193,831
A coated sheet material made by: (a) coating a porous substrate sheet material with a barrier coating composition comprising (i) a cross-linkable polymer resistant to penetration by water moisture, and (ii) a water-dispersible film-forming polymer that is resistant to penetration by grease and oil, said barrier coating composition forming a barrier layer on said substrate sheet material; and (b) coating said barrier layer with a release coating composition. The coated sheet material is useful in forming articles and food wrappers for use in conventional or microwave ovens. The invention includes methods of making articles from the coated sheet materials. U.S. Patent # 6 193 831;
February 27, 2001
“Coated Sheet Material”
USPTO Patent# 5,981,011
A coated sheet material made by : (a) coating a porous substrate sheet material with a barrier coating composition comprising (i) a cross-linkable polymer resistant to penetration by water moisture, and (ii) a water-dispersible film-forming polymer that is resistant to penetration by grease and oil, said barrier coating composition forming a barrier layer on said substrate sheet material; and (b) coating said barrier layer with a release coating composition wherein the cross-linkable polymer and the water-dispersible film-forming polymer are different. The coated sheet material is useful in forming articles and food wrappers for use in conventional or microwave ovens. U.S. Patent #5,981,011; November 9, 1999
“Surface Dopants as Blend Compatibilizers in Conjugated Polymers”
Ronald L. Elsenbaumer U.S. Patent #5,911,918; June 15, 1999.
“Corrosion Resistant Paint”
Grandville Miller, Lawrence W. Shacklette, Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, Bernhard Wessling, Peter Whang, and Vaman G. Kulkarni U.S. Patent #5,853,621, December 29, 1998.
“Corrosion Resistant Paint”
G. Miller, L. Shacklette, R.L. Elsenbaumer, B. Wessling, P. Whang, and V.G. Kulkarni U. S. Patent #5,648,416; 1997
“Coated Sheet Material and Method”
Derric Overcash and Ronald L. Elsenbaumer U. S. Patent # 5,603,996; 1997
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Faculty Profile
Arlington, TX 76019 
Mail Box: 19162, EE Davis Hall, Room No.: 346 
817-272-1021 
817-272-2625 
