Dr Marietjie Lutz

Lecturer Office Room 2010, Polymer Science Building Tel: +27-21-808 9251 Email

 

Tertiary education

• BSc (Chemistry and Mathematics), University of Stellenbosch, 1996
• Higher Education Diploma, University of Stellenbosch, 1997
• BSc Hons (Polymer Science), University of Stellenbosch, 1999
• MSc (Polymer Science), University of Stellenbosch, 2001
• PhD (Polymer Science), University of Stellenbosch, 2005

Research summary

Polymer Science Research

• The use of natural fillers in nanocomposites.
• Structure property relationships in polyolefins and nanocomposites.
• Electrospinning

Chemistry Education Research

• The use of assessment in order to improve learning in chemistry.
• Conceptual understanding in chemistry.
• The use of technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• The first-year chemistry laboratory experience.

Research description

Polymer Science research

Research interests includes the design, synthesis and identification of structure-property relationships of nanocomposites reinforced by natural fillers such as cellulose and chitosan.  These natural fibers are incorporated as reinforcement into a variety of different polymers of which ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers and impact polypropylene are examples.  Electrospinning is used as experimental method to produce nanocomposites in the form of nanofibers.  We furthermore focus on the medical applications of cellulose nanocomposites due to their biocompatibility.  Funtionalization of different natural fillers before and after incorporation into different polymer matrixes are also being explored.

Chemistry education research

This part of our research has a very strong emphasis on the use of assessment in order to improve teaching and learning of chemistry at a tertiary level.  Research on conceptual understanding in chemistry takes place in collaboration with prof Marietjie Potgieter from the University of Pretoria and focus on the identification and persistence of misconceptions in chemistry throughout graduate studies.  Technology together with collaborative learning are being investigated with the purpose to provide immediate feedback which will enhance learning.  First-year students’ experience during chemistry laboratory training is also being explored.

Other interests

Trail running, travelling