Lifeng was born in Xiamen, China. He earned his bachelor's degree in polymer materials and engineering from Beijing University of Chemical Technology and a master's degree in macromolecular science and engineering from Case Western Reserve University. He joined the Molecular Engineering Department in 2016 under the supervision of Professor Stuart Rowan.
Lifeng is interested in applying and translating scientific discoveries from the laboratory into real-world practice. His project focuses on dynamic covalent chemistry, studying fundamental viscoelastic and mechanical properties to design novel smart materials that render traditional thermosetting polymers recyclable and reprocessable. Additionally, he aims to functionalize cellulose nanocrystals with biodegradable polymers through melt processing.
Lifeng's current research is focused on the structurally dynamic polyurethane network with dynamic covalent bonds. As such incorporation of the dynamic bonds into the conventional polymeric system allows polymers to realize or enhance the self-healing properties, reprocessability, and may expand the applications of these traditional materials.
Impact of Dynamic Bond Concentration on the Viscoelastic and Mechanical Properties of Dynamic Poly(alkylurea‐co‐urethane) Networks
Chen, L., Zhang, L., Griffin, P. J. & Rowan, S. J. Impact of Dynamic Bond Concentration on the Viscoelastic and Mechanical Properties of Dynamic Poly(alkylurea-co-urethane) Networks. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 221, (2020).
Trapping Dynamic Disulfide Bonds in the Hard Segments of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers
Zhang, L.; Chen, L.; Rowan, S.J.. Trapping Dynamic Disulfide Bonds in the Hard Segments of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers. Macromol. Chem. Phys.. 2017. Vol. 218, Pg. 1600320 (1-10).