Chad R. Snyder, Ph.D.

Research Interests

AFM-based thermal analysis (l) and chip calorimeter (r)

Kinetics and thermodynamics of polymer crystallization. Semi-crystalline polymers account for the majority of commercially produced polymers and are increasingly important in the areas of organic semiconductors and organic photovoltaics. Elucidation of the mechanisms of crystallization enables optimization of processing conditions.

Advanced techniques in thermal analysis including high scanning rate and AC nanocalorimetry. By using chip-based calorimeters high scanning rates can be used to quantify rapid processes (e.g., chemical reactions, crystallization, and melting/superheating), thin films can be measured easily, and materials with limited availability can be accurately characterized.

Dielectric properties of polymers. Dielectric spectroscopy has the capability to characterize the relaxation behavior of polymer materials over an incredibly large number of time scales (100 μHz to 10 GHz+). Improvements in experimental techniques and analysis techniques will enable breakthroughs in understanding of fundamental polymer physics.

Brief Biography

Dr. Chad Snyder is a Research Chemist in the Electronics Materials Group in the Polymers Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD. From 2001 to 2009, he served as both Deputy Division Chief and Leader of the Characterization and Measurement Group in the Polymers Division. He has been with NIST’s Polymers Division since 1996. Dr. Snyder’s research covers a broad range of topics including nanocomposites, thermal properties at the nanoscale, ballistic resistance of polymeric materials, dielectric relaxation, thin film metrology, and polymer crystallization. Dr. Snyder was NIST’s representative to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Committee on Technology (CT), Subcommittee on Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology (NSET) in 2001.

Dr. Snyder completed his B.S. in Chemistry cum laude at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and his Ph.D. in Physical Polymer Chemistry at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Awards and Honors

• Department of Commerce Bronze Medal (2009)
  
• Department of Commerce Gold Medal for Customer Service (2007)
• NIST/NRC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (1996)
• Shippensburg University Scholastic Achievement Award (1991)
• American Chemical Society Award for Outstanding Senior in Chemistry (1991)
• American Chemical Society Joint Polymer Education Committee Undergraduate Award for Outstanding Performance in Organic Chemistry (1989)