Brian McFarland, associate professor of chemistry, recently had a paper published in the “Journal of Polymer Science.”

Brian McFarland, associate professor of chemistry at Morningside College, recently had a paper published in the “Journal of Polymer Science.”

McFarland’s paper dealt with the production of premixed systems that can produce a plastic material at a desired time by adding heat. The systems also are able to be stored for long periods of time.

“This could have many different applications.” McFarland said. “One example would be for crack repair in reduced gravity environments, like the International Space Station.  If there was a crack in a plastic material, you could take this premixed system, squeeze some into the crack, apply some heat, and seal it up.  This system could be stored on the space station for a long period of time until it is needed, eliminating the need to mix up individual components together, as mixing is really difficult in reduced gravity.”

McFarland joined the Morningside faculty in 2013. McFarland taught at the college level for eight years prior to joining Morningside. His research has explored how to improve plastics, and how eating certain foods can affect cognitive function. McFarland has a doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.