Research Expertise
David Salem's research centers on process-structure property relationships in polymers,
composites and nanocomposites. Areas of focus include multiscale reinforcement and
functionalization of polymers; strain-induced molecular ordering and crystallization
in polymer films and fibers; low-cost processes for advanced composite and nanocomposite
manufacturing; lightweight, high strength/stiffness/impact-resistant composites; engineering
nanocomposite structures and properties by self-assembly strategies; protective (energy-absorbing)
materials (e.g. functionally graded syntactic foams); energy storage materials (e.g.
nanocomposite electrodes and polymer flexoelectricity); micro- and nano-channeled
polymer composites; and polymers from microbes. Dr. Salem has much experience working
at the academic-industrial interface, and a large portion of his research is funded
by industrial contracts, consortia, and industrial/government partnerships, and includes
significant scale-up/technology-transfer activities.
Brief Bio
David Salem is Professor in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
and in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and is a faculty participant
in the Nanoscience and Nanoengineering Program. His primary role at the South Dakota
School of Mines and Technology, which he joined in 2010, is leadership of the Composites
and Polymer Engineering Laboratory (CAPE Lab) and the Composite and Nanocomposite
Advanced Manufacturing Center (CNAM Center). After earning his PhD from the University
of Manchester in the U.K, Dr. Salem joined TRI/Princeton in New Jersey as a postdoctoral
fellow, and worked there for several as a Senior Scientist before serving as TRI's
Director of Research from 1995-2002. Dr. Salem also has numerous years of experience
in the private sector, including a multinational chemical company, and R&D leadership
positions at two venture-backed start-up companies involved in the development of
nanofiber and nanocomposite products.
Teaching
Courses taught by David Salem are in the area of processing and structure formation
of polymers and composites. Since joining SD Mines, he has developed and taught courses
on Composites Manufacturing (CBE/MET/MES 489/589) and Advanced Processing and Nanoengineering
of Polymers (CBE/MES/NANO 475/575).
Course Listing