Chang works as a materials scientist for a paint manufacturer. he has developed a material that does not work well in paint, but it could have applications as a deck sealant. chang has been made the team lead for a group of scientists tasked with determining some marketable uses for the new material. the group could be referred to as

Skunkworks

Explanation:

A team which is assembled to achieve a specific purpose in a given amount of time. The team focuses on the research and development aspect of a product.

Here, Chang has invented a material that might have an application as a deck sealant. So, how the product can be marketed is a question that needs to be answered, this is the specific goal. The goal needs to acheived quickly as competitors might invent the same product and gain a lead in the market.

Hence, the group could be referred to as skunkworks.

a corroding iron, if that's one of your choices