Advancing materials from molecular design to real-world function.
WHO WE ARE
Better materials start with better experiments.
The Synthesis, Automation & Materials (SAM) Group develops new ways to make and understand polymers. We bring together synthesis, automation and careful measurement to learn how molecular choices shape the materials people use.
Based within the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence, our research reaches across sustainable materials, self-assembly and membrane science.
About the groupOUR RESEARCH
View all research Three connected directions
01 / RESEARCH AREA
Chemistry · robotics · AI
02 / RESEARCH AREAAutonomous materials discovery
Connecting synthesis, measurement and machine learning to explore polymer chemistry more intelligently
Sustainability · Performance · End of life
03 / RESEARCH AREASustainable polymer materials
Creating sustainable polymers from renewable resources with performance and end-of-life built into their design
Self-assembly · responsive systems · biomolecules
Stimuli-Responsive Materials
Using responsive polymers and precise measurements to study soft materials and biological membranes.
LATEST OUTPUTS
All publications Recent publications
2025Automation & analysis · Digital DiscoveryComputer Vision for Polymer Characterisation using Lasers2025Polymer self-assembly · Nature SynthesisDirect preparation of two-dimensional platelets from polymers enabled by accelerated seed formation2024Journal article · MacromoleculesControl over Aspect Ratio and Polymer Spatial Distribution of 2D Platelets via Living Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly
WORK WITH US
Contact Sam via Aston