The Akron Functional Materials Center (AFMC) will be a unique national research resource located in the recently opened National Polymer Innovation Center at The University of Akron. AFMC will focus on elevating the technology readiness level of research discoveries and new polymer materials. It will contain a suite of open source, research-level facilities coupled with established “combi tools” dedicated to assist researchers, industry and innovators with the design, fabrication and optimization of polymers and advanced materials. The AFMC will target companies globally for participation and membership.

The AFMC’s six technical working groups include: nanomaterials, complex fluids, biomaterials, adhesion, membranes and automation. The center will address the translational needs of the medical community by providing the combinatorial expertise, infrastructure and facilities to optimize polymer and biocompatible materials for clinical use.