South Carolina SmartState Center for Polymer Nanocomposites
Leading developments in chemistry, polymers,
and materials science
About the Center
Initiated in 2008, the SmartState Center for Polymer Nanocomposites is part of the South Carolina SmartState Endowment Program, funded through the state’s education lottery. Dr. Benicewicz was the founding director. The Center is now directed by Dr. Chuanbing Tang.
The center is located on the University of South Carolina’s Innovista Campus, occupying approximately 15,000 square feet on the second floor of the Horizon I Building.
The center houses 11 laboratories equipped with 36 fume hoods, as well as offices for students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and faculty. It also includes a meeting room with seating for approximately 30 people and a dedicated break room.
The SmartState Center features a comprehensive suite of research and analytical facilities, including advanced microscopes, spectrometers, chromatographs, and thermal and mechanical characterization instruments, supporting cutting-edge research in chemistry, polymer and materials science.
Faculty
Prof. Chuanbing Tang
Director, SmartState Center for Polymer Nanocomposite
Research Keywords: Polymer synthesis, organic chemistry, polymer sustainability, biomaterials, and membranes
Prof. Morgan Stefik
Research Keywords: Functional nanostructures, energy devices, block polymers, self-assembly, nanoparticles, atomic layer deposition
Prof. Brian Benicewicz
Research Keywords: Polymer-organic chemistry, polymer nanocomposites, polymer membranes for fuel cells, electrically conducting polymers
Prof. Ting Ge
Research Keywords: Polymer conformation, dynamics, rheology, and mechanics; molecular simulations; multi-scale modeling of polymers
Prof. Junfeng Chen
Research Keywords: Polymer chemistry, high-throughput synthesis, sequence-controlled polymer, nanoparticle, self-assembly, enzyme-mimic catalysis
Prof. Michael Sims
Research Keywords: Composite materials, dynamic-covalent chemistry, microstructured polymer materials, polymer materials chemistry
Latest News
August 2026
Prof. Michael Sims Joins the Center as Assistant Professor
Prof. Michael Sims officially joined the SmartState Center for Polymer Nanocomposites as an Assistant Professor in August 2026. His appointment strengthens the Center’s leadership in advanced polymer chemistry and nanocomposite materials. Welcome to Prof. Sims as he begins this exciting new chapter at the Center.
Get in Touch
CENTER Location
Horizon I Building
541 Main St, Columbia, SC 29208
Email SmartState Endowed Chair
Prof. Chuanbing Tang
tang4@mailbox.sc.edu
We are always looking for new research collaborations and industrial partnerships.
Reach out to discuss how our state-of-the-art polymer lab can support your next innovation.