Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Michael Kessler

Assistant Professor
Iowa State University
Materials Science and Engineering
Mail: 2220 Hoover
Office: 3275 Gilman Hall
Ames, IA 50011-2300
Phone: 515-294-3101 / 515-294-9835
Fax: 515-294-5444
mkessler@iastate.edu

Research Group

Research ID

Education

  • Ph.D. Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2002
  • M.S. Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1998
  • B.S. Engineering (Mechanical), LeTourneau University, Longview, TX, 1996

Academic Experience

  • 2005-Present, Assistant Professor, Materials Sci. & Engr. Dept., Iowa State Univ.
  • 2002-2005, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Tulsa

Research Interests

  • Mechanics and Processing of Polymer Matrix Composites and Nanocomposites
  • Biopolymers and Biologically Inspired Materials
  • Experimental Solid Mechanics and Fracture
  • Polymer Matrix Composites Used for Civil Infrastructure Repair
  • Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)
  • Thermal Analysis
  • Engineering Education

Research Description

  • Research thrusts include the development of new smart materials, the manufacturing of polymer matrix composites and nanocomposites, and the evaluation of these materials using experimental and computational solid mechanics techniques. These broad-based topics span the fields of organic chemistry, applied mechanics, and processing science.

Grants and Contracts

  • Soy Protein Plastics Formulation Development to Reduce Water Solubility (United Soybean Board), 2008-2010, $78,543. Co-Principal Investigator with D. Grewell (PI) and K. Rajan.
  • Protein Polymer Product Development (Grow Iowa Values Fund) 2008-2010, $78,452 Co-Principal Investigator with D. Grewell (PI), K. Rajan, W. Graves, and H. Van Auken.
  • Supplement for ROMP Healing Agent Development for Self-healing Materials (ACS PRF Supplement for Underrepresented Minority Research (SUMR)), $5,000. Principal Investigator.
  • Viscosity Reduction in Monomer/Nano-particle Suspensions (Ames Laboratory Seed Grant Program) 2008-2009, $15,000. Principal Investigator.
  • Cyanate Ester Resins Modified with Nano-particles for Inclusion in Continuous Fiber Reinforced Composites (Young Investigator Research Program, Air Force Office of Scientific Research) 2008-2010, $299,725. Principal Investigator.
  • ROMP Healing Agent Development for Self-healing Materials (ACS Petroleum Research Fund) 2008-2010, $100,000. Principal Investigator.
  • Pultruded Window Frames from Agricultural Oils (The IPRT Company Assistance Seed Grant Program), October 2007-April 2008, $20,000. Principal Investigator with R. Larock.
  • Electromagnetic Nondestructive Evaluation Of Wire Insulation And Models Of Insulation Material Properties (NASA), January 2008-July 2010, Funded, $477,610. Co-Principal Investigator with N. Bowler (PI).
  • Biorenewable Composites Reinforced with Under-used Co-products from Ethanol Production, (Recycling and Reuse Technology Transfer Center), 2007-2009, $30,000. Principal Investigator with R. Larock.
  • Novel Renewable Bio-based Rubber Composites from Plant Oils and Agricultural Co-products, (Plant Sciences Institute), 2007-2009, $60,000. Principal Investigator with S. Sriram and R. Larock.
  • Acquisition of a wide temperature, impedance, and frequency range impedance spectrometer system, (The Roy J. Carver Trust Foundation), 2007, $472,896. Co-Principal Investigator with S. Martin (PI), X. Tan, and N. Bowler.
  • Environmentally Benign Repair of Composites Using High Temperature Cyanate Ester Nanocomposites, (Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP)), 2007-2009, $585,000. Principal Investigator with co-PI Mufit Akinc.
  • Ultrasonic Assisted Exfoliation of Bio-Renewable Polymer Nanocomposites with Micro-Cellular Structures, (Grow Iowa Values Fund), 2006-2008, $68,758.  Co-Principal Investigator with D. Grewell (PI) and H. Van Auken.
  • Informatics for Composites Design, (Iowa State University) Research Grant Development Award, 2006-2007, $12,000.  Principal Investigator with co-PI Krishna Rajan.
  • Acquisition of a Thermal Analysis Suite for Self-healing Composites, Bulk Metallic Glass, and Ionically Conducting Glass (Department of Defense University Research Instrumentation Program), 2006-2007, $176,835. Principal Investigator with co-PI Steve W. Martin.
  • Thermal and Mechanical Evaluation of Cyanate Ester Resin Composites, (Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR) Research Initiation Grant, 2005, $21,000 Principal Investigator.
  • Thermal Expansion of CFRP for Extreme Temperature Applications, (Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR) Travel Grant, 2004, $1,500 Principal Investigator.
  • Enhancing Interdisciplinary Interactions in the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, (National Science Foundation), 2004-2007, $99,242 Co-Principal Investigator with S. Pomeranz, W. Potter, P. LoPresti, and J. McCoy.
  • Resin Transfer Molding Using Catalyzed-Fiber Reinforcement, (SME Education Foundation) Research Initiation Grant, 2004-2005, $15,000 Principal Investigator.
  • Autonomic Healing of Damage in Polymer Matrix Composites, (Army Research Office) Young Investigator Award, 2004-2007, $150,000 Principal Investigator.
  • Biomimetic Materials: Artificial Muscles and Self-healing Polymers, (Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR) Travel Grant Award, 2003, $1,500 Principal Investigator.
  • Resin Transfer Molding Applications Using Catalyzed Reinforcement (Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR) Research Initiation Grant, 2003, $21,000 Principal Investigator.
  • Non-metallic Structural Pipeline Repair Research & Testing, (Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science & Technology) Oklahoma Applied Research Support Program 2003- 2005, $249,000 Principal Investigator.
  • Polymer Matrix Composites: Processing and Characterization (Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR) Travel Grant, 2002, $1,500 Principal Investigator.
  • Thrust Reverser Structural Certification Sub-Component Testing, (Nordam Group) 2002-2003, $143,790 Co-Principal Investigator with S. M. Tipton

Publications

  • K. Haman, P. Badrinarayanan, M. R. Kessler: Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of a Modified Linseed Oil with Varying Levels of Crosslinking II: A Study of Cure Behavior, Submitted.
  • X. Sheng, J. K. Lee, M. R. Kessler: The Influence of Cross-link Density on the Properties of ROMP Thermosets, Polymer; Submitted.
  • Fen Chao, Nicola Bowler, Xiaoli Tan, Guozheng Liang, Michael R Kessler: Influence of adsorbed moisture on the properties of BaTiO3/cyanate ester composites, Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, Submitted.
  • T. C. Mauldin, M.R. Kessler: Latent Catalytic Systems for Ring-Opening Metathesis-Based Thermosets, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, Submitted.
  • P. H. Henna, M. R. Kessler, R. C. Larock: Fabrication and Properties of Vegetable Oil-Based Glass Fiber Composites by Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization, Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, In Press.
  • P. Badrinarayanan, Y. Lu, R. C. Larock, M. R. Kessler: Cure Characterization of Soybean Oil-Styrene-Divinylbenzene Thermosetting Copolymers, Journal of Applied Polymer Science; Submitted.
  • W. Jeong, M. R. Kessler: Toughness Enhancement in ROMP Functionalized Carbon Nanotube / Polydicyclopentadiene Composites, Chemistry of Materials; In Press. (DOI)
  • S. H. Yoon, Y. E. Hwang, J. S. Kim, H. J. Yoon, M. R. Kessler: Durability of Carbon/Epoxy Composites for Train Carbody under Salt Water Environment Journal of the Korean Society for Railway. Volume 11, no 4, 1-7, 2008.
  • T. C. Mauldin, K. Haman, X. Sheng, P. Henna, R. C. Larock, M. R. Kessler: Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of a Modified Linseed Oil with Varying Levels of Crosslinking, Journal of Polymer Science A: Polymer Chemistry; 2008; 46, 6851-6860. (DOI)
  • S.W. Hong, W. Jeong, V. Tsukruk, M. R. Kessler, Z. Lin: Directed Self-Assembly of Gradient Concentric Carbon Nanotube Rings, Advanced Functional Materials; 2008; 18, 2114-2122. (featured on inside front cover (issue 14)). (DOI)
  • X. Sheng, M. Akinc, M. R. Kessler: "Cure Kinetics of Thermosetting Bisphenol E Cyanate Ester", Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry; 2008; 1, 77-85. (DOI)
  • W. K. Goertzen, M. R. Kessler: "Three-phase Cyanate Ester Composites with Fumed Silica and Negative-CTE Reinforcements", Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry; 2008; 1, 87-93. (DOI)
  • X. Liu, X. Sheng, M. R. Kessler, J. K. Lee: "Rheokinetic Evaluation of Self-healing Agents Polymerized by Grubbs Catalyst Embedded in Various Thermosetting Systems", Composites Science and Technology (for SMN-2007 special issue); In Press. (DOI)
  • W. K. Goertzen, X. Sheng, M. Akinc, and M. R. Kessler: "Rheology and Curing Kinetics of Fumed Silica/Cyanate Ester Nanocomposites", Polymer Engineering and Science; 2008; 48, 875-883. (DOI)
  • W. K. Goertzen and M. R. Kessler: "Thermal Expansion of Fumed Silica/Cyanate Ester Nanocomposites", Journal of Applied Polymer Science; 2008; 109, 647-653. (DOI)
  • W. K. Goertzen and M. R. Kessler: "Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Fumed Silica/Cyanate Ester Nanocomposites", Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing; 2008; 39, 761-768. (DOI)
  • M. R. Kessler: "Self-healing: A new paradigm in materials design", Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part G, Journal of Aerospace Engineering; 2007; 221(4), 479-495 (Invited Review Article). (DOI)
  • Shirley Pomeranz, Donna Farrior, Leslie Keiser, Michael Kessler, Peter LoPresti, Jerry McCoy, William Potter, and Bryan Tapp: "Interdisciplinary Lively Application Projects in Calculus Courses, Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research"; 2007; 8(3-4), 1-13. (PDF)
  • David Grewell, Michael Kessler, and William Graves, “Protein-based Plastics and Applications” Bioplastics Magazine, Issue 02/2007 (June).
  • Xia Sheng, M. R. Kessler, J. K. Lee: "The Influence of Cross-linking Agents on Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerized Thermosets", Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry; 2007; 89, 459-464. (DOI)
  • X. Liu, Xia Sheng, M. R. Kessler, J. K. Lee: "Isothermal Cure Characterization of ROMP Healing Agents for Autonomic Damage Repair: The Glass Transition Temperature and Conversion", Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry; 2007; 89, 453-457. (DOI)
  • J. K. Lee, X. Liu, S. H. Yoon, M. R. Kessler: "Thermal Analysis of Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerized Healing Agents", Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics; 2007; 45, 1771-1780. (DOI)
  • J. M. Duell, J M. Wilson, and M. R. Kessler: "Analysis of a Carbon Composite Overwrap Repair System", International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping; 2008; 85, 782-788. (DOI)
  • W. K. Goertzen and M. R. Kessler: "Thermal and Mechanical Evaluation of Cyanate Ester Composites with Low Temperature Processability", Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing; 2007; 38, 779-784. (DOI)
  • G. E. Larin, M. R. Kessler, N. Bernklau, and J. C. DiCesare:  "Rheokinetics of Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of Norbornene Based Monomers Intended for Self-healing Applications", Polymer Engineering and Science; 2006; 46:12, 1804-1811. (DOI)
  • W. K. Goertzen and M. R. Kessler: "Creep Behavior of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Matrix Composites", Materials Science & Engineering. A, Structural Materials: Properties, Microstructure and Processing. 2006; A421, 217 -225. (DOI)
  • W. K. Goertzen and M. R. Kessler: "Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Carbon/Epoxy Composites for Structural Pipeline Repair", Composites Part B: Engineering; 2007; 38, 1-9. (DOI)
  • R. Palakodeti, M. R. Kessler: "Influence of Frequency and Residual Strain on the Mechanical Efficiency of Dielectric Electroactive Polymer Actuators", Materials Letters; 2006; 60, 3437-3440. (DOI)
  • M. R. Kessler, G. E. Larin, and N. Bernklau: "Cure Characterization and Viscosity Development of Ring-opening Metathesis Polymerize d Resins", Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry. In Press. (DOI)
  • X. Liu, Jong Keun Lee, Sung Ho Yoon, M. R. Kessler: "Characterization of Diene Monomers as Healing Agents for Autonomic Damage Repair", Journal of Applied Polymer Science; 2006. (DOI)
  • M. R. Kessler, ed., Advanced Topics in Characteri zation of Composites, Trafford Publishing, Victoria, BC, Canada, ISBN 1-4120-3639-9, 2004. (AMAZON)
  • E. N. Brown, M. R. Kessler, N. R. Sottos, J. S. Moore, and S. R. White: "In Situ Poly(urea-formaldehyde) Microencapsulation of Dicyclopentadiene", Journal of Microencapsulation. Nov-Dec 2003; 20:6, 719-730. (DOI) (EBSCO)
  • M. R. Kessler, N. R. Sottos, and S. R. White: "Self-healing Structural Composite Materials", Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. 2003; 34:8, 743-753. (DOI)
  • M. R. Kessler and S. R. White: "Cure Kinetics of Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization of Dicyclopentadiene", Journal of Polymer Science A: Polymer Chemistry. 2002; 40 2373-2383 (cover issue). (DOI)
  • Sungho Yoon, Heewon Park, Sunji Hong, Jongkeun Lee, M. R. Kessler, and S. R. White: "Manufacturing Process of Microcapsules for Autonomic Damage Repair of Polymeric Composites", Journal of the Korean Society for Composite Materials. 2002; 15(2) 4, 32-39.
  • S. R. White, N. R. Sottos, P. H. Geubelle, J. S. Moore, M. R. Kessler, S. R. Sriram, E. N. Brown, and S. Viswanathan: "Autonomic healing of polymer composites", Nature. 2001 409, 794-797. (DOI)
  • M. R. Kessler and S. R. White: "Self-activated Healing of Delamination Damage in Woven Composites", Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. 2001; 32:5, 683-699. (DOI)

Recent Proceedings and Presentations

    2008

  • Li Li, Nicola Bowler, Sungho Yoon, and Michael Kessler “Dielectric Properties of Polymeric Wiring Insulation Materials as a Function of Thermal Stress” 2008 IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, October 26-29, 2008. Quebec City, Canada.
  • N. Bowler, L. Li, S.-H. Yoon and M. R. Kessler “Dielectric and Thermal Analysis Properties of PTFE Wiring Insulation for Nondestructive Evaluation and Lifetime Prediction” NASA Aviation Safety Technical Conference, October 21 - 23, 2008, Denver, CO.
  • Fen Chao, Nicola Bowler, Xiaoli Tan, Michael R. Kessler “Three-Phase Composites for Multifunctional Structural Capacitors” Proceedings of the SAMPE 2008 Fall Technical Conference, September 8-11, 2008, Memphis, TN.
  • Michael R. Kessler, Wilber Lio, Xia Sheng, Mufit Akinc “High Temperature Cyanate Ester Adhesives Reinforced with Functionalized Nanoalumina” Proceedings of the SAMPE 2008 Fall Technical Conference, September 8-11, 2008, Memphis, TN.
  • Sungho Yoon, Wonje Jeong, Marlen Valverde Salazar, Richard C. Larock, Michael R. Kessler “Thermal Analysis of Bio-based Rubber Composites from Plant Oil” SAMPE 2008 Fall Technical Conference, September 8-11, 2008, Memphis, TN.
  • David Grewell, Gowrishankar Srinivasan, Maria Baboi, Michael R. Kessler, William Graves, Matt Helgeson “Plant Based Plastics and Applications” Proceedings of the SAMPE 2008 Fall Technical Conference, September 8-11, 2008, Memphis, TN.
  • Sung Ho Yoon, Nicola Bowler, and Michael R. Kessler “Thermal Analysis Properties of PTFE Electrical Wiring Insulation Material” Proceedings of the North American Thermal Analysis Society Annual Conference (NATAS 2008). Aug. 18-20, 2008.
  • P. Badrinarayanan, B. Mac Murray, and M. R. Kessler “Thermal and Mechanical Characterization of Bisphenol E Cyanate Ester Nanocomposites” Proceedings of the North American Thermal Analysis Society Annual Conference (NATAS 2008). Aug. 18-20, 2008. Atlanta, GA.
  • T. C. Mauldin, M. R. Kessler “Latent Catalytic Systems for Ring-Opening Metathesis-Based Thermosets” Proceedings of the North American Thermal Analysis Society Annual Conference (NATAS 2008). Aug. 18-20, 2008. Atlanta, GA.
  • Katherine Lawler, Lisa Nielsen, Mufit Akinc, M.R. Kessler "Viscosity Reduction in Aqueous Alumina Nano-particle Suspensions" 2nd International Congress on Ceramics (ICC2), July 2, 2008. (manuscript ID 885). Verona, Italy.
  • Michael Kessler and Richard C. Larock “Fiberglass Reinforced Polymers from Agricultural Oils” The Consortium for Plant Biotechnology, Inc. Symposium, February 11-13, 2008.  Washington, D.C. Poster Presentation.
  • M. R. Kessler, Emily Merrick, and Larry Genalo “Material Advantage at Iowa State: A Case Study for Student Pre-professional Society Success” Proceedings of the 2008 ASEE Annual Conference, June 22-25, 2008. Pittsburgh, PA. AC 2008-2531.
  • David Grewell, Gowrishankar Srinivasan, Maria Baboi, Michael R. Kessler, William Graves, Matt Helgeson, “Plant Based Plastics and Applications”, ICIPC (Research Institute for Plastics and Rubber) International Colloquium 2008, Medellin, Colombia, February 27-29, 2008, 1-8.
  • Amber L. Shipman, Michael R. Kessler, and John C. DiCesare “Strength Enhancement Through Carbon Nanotube Functionalization Using a Pendant Norbornene” 235th ACS National Meeting, Division of Chemical Education, April 6-10, 2008, New Orleans, LA,  CHED-338
    2007

  • David Grewell, Gowrishankar Srinivasan, Michael Kessler, and Nancy Kieffer “Case Study of Color Variation of Thermal Formed Automotive Body Components” Proceedings of the 66th Annual Technical Conference for the Society of Plastics Engineers, May 4-8, 2008. Milwaukee, WI.
  • M. R. Kessler, M. Akinc, X. Sheng, W. K. Goertzen “Environmentally Benign Repair of Composites Using High Temperature Cyanate Ester Nanocomposites: Resin Development” The Partners in Environmental Technology Technical Symposium and Workshop (Sponsored by SERDP and ESTCP), December 4-6, 2007, Washington D.C. Poster Presentation, Invited.
  • Michael R. Kessler, Richard Larock, David Grewell “Structural Composites From Agricultural Oils and Proteins” International Conference on Natural Polymers, Bio-Polymers, Bio-Materialas, their Composites, Blends, IPNs, and Gels: Macro to Nano Scales (ICNP – 2007). November 19-21, 2007, Kottayam; Kerala, India. Invited.
  • Xia Sheng, Mufit Akinc, Michael R. Kessler “Cure Kinetics of Thermosetting Bisphenol E Cyanate Ester” Proceedings of the North American Thermal Analysis Society Annual Conference (NATAS 2007). Aug. 26-29, 2007. East Lansing, MI.
  • William K. Goertzen, Michael R. Kessler “Three-phase Cyanate Ester Composites with Fumed Silica and Negative-CTE Reinforcements” Proceedings of the North American Thermal Analysis Society Annual Conference (NATAS 2007). Aug. 26-29, 2007. East Lansing, MI.
  • Xing Liu, Xia Sheng, Michael R. Kessler, Jong Keun Lee “5-Ethylidene-2-norbornene and its crosslinkers as a self-healing agent. part I: thermal and rheological analysis” Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart Materials and Nanotechnology in Engineering. July 1-4, 2007, Harbin, China.
  • Xing Liu, Xia Sheng, Michael R. Kessler, Jong Keun Lee “5-Ethylidene-2-norbornene and its crosslinkers as a self-healing agent. part II: manufacture of microcapsules” Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart Materials and Nanotechnology in Engineering. July 1-4, 2007, Harbin, China.
  • M. R. Kessler “Effective Tools for Student Engagement and Research Group Management” Proceedings of the 2007 ASEE Annual Conference, June 24-27, 2007. Honolulu, HI. 
  • Gowrishankar Srinivasan, Michael Kessler, and David Grewell “Casting of Zein Protein Polymers” Proceedings of the 65th Annual Technical Conference for the Society of Plastics Engineers, May 6-10, 2007. Cincinnati, OH.
  • Amber L. Shipman, Michael R. Kessler, Christopher J. Peeples, and John C. DiCesare “Synthesis of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Polymer Strength Enhancement” ACS National Meeting, Division of Chemical Education, March 25-29, 2007, Chicago, IL.
  • Michael R. Kessler “Materials with Structural and Power Roles: Challenges and Opportunities in Multifunctional Composites” Annual Meeting of the Technical Cooperation Programme (TTCP-MAT-TP1-TP8), March 6, 2007, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.  Invited Keynote Lecture.

    2006

  • Xia Sheng, Michael R. K essler, Jong Keun Lee. The Influence of Cross-linking Agents on Ring-Opening Met athesis Polymerized Thermosets. Proceedings of the North American Thermal Analys is Society Annual Conference (NATAS 2006). Aug. 6-9, 2006. Bowling Green, KY.
  • Xing Liu, Xia Sheng, Michael R. Kessler, Jong Keun Lee. Isothermal Cure Characterization of ROMP Healing Agents for Autonomic Damage Repair: The Glass Transition Temperature and Conversion. NATAS 2006. Aug. 6-9, 2006. Bowling Green, KY.
  • Wonje Jeong and Michael R. Kessler, . Processing and Characterization of Carbon Nanotube/Dicyclopentadiene Composites. NATAS 2006. Aug. 6-9, 2006. Bowling Green, KY.
  • M. R. Kessler, J. K. Lee, X. Liu, L. H. Charles, X. Sheng. Cure Development and Adhesive Fracture Toughness of ROMP Healing Agents. 15th U.S. National Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (ICTAM '06). June 25-30, 2006. Boulder, CO.
  • M. R. Kessler. Enhancing Student Motivation by Publishing a Class Textbook. A New Engineering Educator's Perspective. 2006 ASEE Annual Conference, June 18-21, 2006. Chicago, IL.
  • M. R. Kessler, .Opportunities for Materials Informatics in Polymers and Composites. NSF Workshop on Materials Informatics (CoSMIC-IMI), May 5, 2006.  Des Moines, IA.
  • M. K. Kiker, C. J. Peeples, M. R. Kessler, and J. C. DiCesare. Synthesis of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization Reactions. ACS National Meeting, Division of Chemical Education, March 26-3 0, 2006, Atlanta, GA.
  • M. R. Kessler. Self-healing Composites at Iowa State University. Department of Defense Sponsored Workshop on Self-Healing Materials, January 4-5, 2006. Research Triangle Park, NC.

    • 2005

  • M. R. Kessler and G. E. Larin "Bio-Inspired Composites: The Influence of Polymerization Kinetics on Self-healing" 2005 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress, November 5-11, 2005. Orlando, Florida.
  • M. R. Kessler and R. Palakodeti "Bio-Inspired Elastomers: The Effect of Prestrain on the Efficiency of Electroactive Polymer Actuators" 2005 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress, November 5-1 1, 2005. Orlando, Florida..
  • J. M. Wilson, M. R. Kessler, R. H. Walker, J. M. Duell, D. Kadakia, N. Sousa "Fatigue Testing of Steel Pipes Repaired with Carbon/ Epoxy Composites" Proceedings of the 2005 Rio Pipeline Conference and Exposition. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Oct. 2005.
  • M. R. Kessler "Cure Characterization and Viscosity Development of Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerized Thermosets" Proceedings of the North American Thermal Analysis Society Annual Conference (NATAS 2005). Universal City, CA, Sept. 19-21, 2005.
  • M. R. Kessler "Recent Research Trends in the US: Multifunctional Composites and Autonomic Materials" Distinguished Scholar Seminar sponsored by Korea's New University for Regional Innovation (NURI) Fund and Brain Korea 21 (BK21). Kumoh National Institute of Technology. June 7 and 8, 2005 Gumi, Gyungbuk, Korea.
  • M. R. Kessler and G. E. Larin "Rheokinetics of Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization with Applications to Self-healing Composites " Proceedings of McMat 2005, The 2005 Joint ASME/ASCE/SES Conference on Mechanics of Materials, June 1-3, 2005. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Paper 409.
  • Shirley Pomeranz, Peter LoPresti, Michael Kessler, William Potter, Jerry McCoy, Leslie Keiser, and Donna Farrior "Enhancing Interdisciplinary Interactions in the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences: Year I" Proceedings of the 2005 ASEE Annual Conference, June 12-15, 2005. Portland, OR. CD-ROM, Paper 007.
  • M. R. Kessler "Air Rocket Thrust Experiment Involving Computerized Data Acquisition, Calibration, and Uncertainty Analysis" Proceedings of the 2005 ASEE Annual Conference, June 12-15, 2005. Portland, OR. C D-ROM, Paper 585: p 1-12. Nominated for Best Paper Award.
  • S. J. Miska, M. R. Kessler, and J. M. Wilson, "Cure Kinetics, Workability, and Glass Transition of an Epoxy Resin Used in Pipe Repair Applications" 25th Oklahoma AIAA/ASME Symposium, February 12, 2005. Stillwater, OK.
  • G. E. Larin and M. R. Kessler "Autonomic Healing System Optimization: ROMP Rheokinetics" 25th Oklahoma AIAA/ASME Symposium, F ebruary 12, 2005. Stillwater, OK.
  • W. K. Goertzen and M. R. Kessler "Heating Rate and Frequency Dependence of the Glass Transition Temperature for an Epoxy Matrix Composite" 25th Oklahoma AIAA/ASME Symposium, February 12, 2005. Stillwater, OK.
  • J. M. Roman, J. M. Wilson, and M. R. Kessler "Flame Testing of Intumescent Coatings Applied to Composite Repair Systems" 25th Oklahoma AIAA/ASME Symposium, February 12, 2005. Stillwater, OK.

    2004

  • M. R. Kessler, R. H. Walker, D. Kadakia, J. M. Wilson, J. M. Duell, and W. K. Goertzen "Evaluation of Carbon/Epoxy Composites for Structural Pipeline Repair" Proceedings of the 2004 ASME International Pipeline Conference, Track 8. Integrity Management, October 4-8, 2004. Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Paper IPC04-0486: p 1-6.
  • M. R. Kessler "Biomimetic Composites with Self-healing Functionality" Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual International Conference on Composites Engineering, David Hui, ed., ICCE/11, August 8-14, 2004. Hilton Head Island, SC.
  • W. K. Goertzen and M. R. Kessler "Thermal Expansion of Woven Carbon Fiber Composites Used in Pipe Overwrap Repair Systems" Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual International Conference on Composites Engineering, David Hui, ed., ICCE/11, August 8-14, 2004. Hilton Head Island, SC.
  • J. M. Wilson, M. R. Kessler, J. M. Duell, "Rupture Testing of A-106, Grade B Steel Pipes Repaired with Carbon/Epoxy Composites" Proceedings of the 2004 ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, July 25- 29, 2004. San Diego, CA, published in PVP Vol. 483, Transportation, Storage, and Disposal of Radioactive Materials.
  • W. K. Goertzen and M. R. Kessler, "Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Testing of Carbon Fiber Composite Specimens" Proceedings of the Second Joint ASME/SDPS International Graduate Student Technical Conference, March 25-27, 2004. Longview, TX: p 27-31.
  • J. M. Duell and M. R. Kessler, "Finite Element Analysis of a Steel Pipe with an Axi-Symmetric Defect Repaired with a Carbon Composite Wrap" 24th Oklahoma AIAA/ASME Symposium, February 28, 2004. Oklahoma City, OK.
  • J. M. Wilson and M.R. Kessler, "Cure Kinetics and Viscosity Characterization of an Epoxy Resin for Pipe Repair Applications" 24th Oklahoma AIAA/ASME Symposium, February 28, 2004. Oklahoma City, OK.
  • V. Kumar and M. R. Kessler, "Fracture Analysis of Width-Tapered Double-Cantilever Beam Using Finite Element Method" 24th Oklahoma AIAA/ASME Symposium, February 28, 2004. Oklahoma City, OK.
  • W. K. Goertzen and M. R. Kessler, "Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Testing of Carbon Fiber Composite Overwrap Used in Pipe Repair System" 24th Oklahoma AIAA/ASME Symposium, February 28, 2004. Oklahoma City, OK.

Patents

  • Intumescent substrate coating, J. Wilson, M. Kessler, R. Walker, (U. S. Patent Pending, 2006)
  • Composite plug system and process for high pressure pipeline leaks, J. Wilson, M. Kessler, R. Walker, (U. S. Patent Pending, 2006)
  • Multifunctional autonomically healing composite material, S. White, N. Sottos, P. Geubelle, J. Moore, S. Sriram, M. Kessler, E. Brown, U. S. Patent No. 6858659 B2, (February 2005).
  • Catalyzed reinforced polymer composite, M.R. Kessler, S.R. White, B. Myers, U. S. Patent No. 6750272, (June 2004).
  • Multifunctional autonomically healing composite material, S. White, N. Sottos, P. Geubelle, J. Moore, S. Sriram, M. Kessler, E. Brown, U. S. Patent No. 6518330, (February 2003).

Honors and Awards

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Award, 2008-2010.
  • Akinc Excellence in Teaching Award, Materials Science and Engineering Department, 2007-2008.
  • Army Research Office Young Investigator Award, 2004-2007.
  • Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Iowa, 2006.
  • Best Paper Award, American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE)  in Instrumentation Division at the 2005 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition.
  • Ph.D. thesis research on autonomic healing plastic was selected by Popular Science as one of their Top Ten Science Stories of 2001.
  • Best Paper Award, American Society for Composites (ASC) in Polymer Matrix Composites Division at 16th Annual ASC Technical Conference 2001.
  • Beckman Institute Graduate Fellow, 2001, 2002.
  • The Tech Museum Award, Finalist, The Tech Museum of Innovation. San Jose, CA. 2001.
  • Louis J. Larson Graduate Award - Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Spring 2001.

Graduate Students

    Thesis M.S. Degree Students (Date Awarded or Dates in Residence):

  • Peter Hondred, ISU, MSE, August 2008-present
  • Wilber Lio, ISU, MSE, June 2007-present
  • Louis Charles (NDSE Graduate Fellowship Awardee), ISU, MSE, August 2005-present
  • Gabriel Larin, Univ. of Tulsa, ME, August 2004-June 2005
  • Nate Bernklau, Univ. of Tulsa, ME, August 2005
  • Shanti Kumar Vemuri, Univ. of Tulsa, ME, April 2005
  • William Goertzen, Univ. of Tulsa, ME, March 2005
  • Syed Ahmed, Univ. of Tulsa, ME, December 2004
  • Joshua Duell, Univ. of Tulsa, ME, November 2004
  • Roja Palakodeti, Univ. of Tulsa, ME, November 2004

    Ph.D. Degree Students (Date Awarded or Dates in Residence):

  • Wonje Jeong, ISU, MSE, August 2005-present
  • Tim Mauldin, ISU, Chemistry,  August 2006-present
  • Xia Sheng, ISU, MSE, December 2008
  • William Goertzen (NSF Graduate Fellowship Awardee), ISU, MSE, August 2007
  • Jeffrey Wilson, Univ. of Tulsa, ME, November 2006