Matthew R. Golder

The Golder Research Team innovates polymer synthesis using advancements in molecular design to redefine the plastic lifecycle with respect to construction, utility, and end-of-life. Inspired by the omnipresent “plastics problem”, our laboratory aims to synthesize more sustainable polymers by extending service lifetimes and promoting chemical circularity. By leveraging our unique expertise across the molecular and macroscopic length scales, we design tougher, longer-lasting plastics and circular soft materials that reduce landfilling and extend product lifetimes. In our first focus area, we reimagine polymer architecture and structure. Motifs such as cyclic macromolecular topology and shape-shifting building blocks are harnessed to enhance mechanical durability and lifetime in soft materials. In our second focus area, we holistically approach the plastic lifecycle by tackling polymer construction, modification, and deconstruction. For example, we utilize ball mill mechanochemistry to make, modify, and repurpose soft materials. In addition, we develop new methodologies towards recyclable thermosets, including thermoset elastomer rubbers and high Tg epoxys.

Meredith N. Pomfret‡, Nicholas P. Serck‡, Lucy P. Miller, and Matthew R. Golder* J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 20045. Morgan E. Skala, Sarah M. Zeitler, and Matthew R. Golder* Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 10900. Progyateg Chakma, Sarah M. Zeitler, Fábio Baum, Jiatong Yu, Waseem Shindy, Lilo D. Pozzo, and Matthew R. Golder* Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202215733. Peiguan B. Sun, Meredith N. Pomfret, Matthew J. Elardo, Adhya Suresh, Angel Renteria-Gomez, Remy F. Lalisse, Sheila Keating, Chunqiao Chen, Shayna L. Hilburg, Progyateg Chakma, Yunze Wu, Rowina C. Bell, Stuart J. Rowan, Osvaldo Gutierrez, and Matthew R. Golder* J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 19229. Matthew J. Elardo, Adelaide M. Levenson, Ana Paula Kitos Vasconcelos, Meredith N. Pomfret, and Matthew R. Golder* Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 17193.