Picking Materials That Make a Difference: From Soft Solids, Colloidal Gels to Nanofibrous Structures

Abstract: In this presentation, we will present vignettes of various research projects in our group, the focus of which have primarily been on multicomponent soft materials. Examples will be drawn from, various classes of polymeric, colloidal, nanoparticulate and biological systems, to elucidate the relationship between material microstructure/morphology, chemistry, formulation and macroscopic behavior.  We hope to illustrate this notion by using examples of (a) biopolymer aerogels, where ultra-light, yet mechanically robust aerogels are developed with hydrophobic functionality. The degree of oleophilicity/hydrophobicity is exploited to render these materials useful in oil and chemical spill remediation. (b) photo-activated polymer hydrogels wherein we examine the gelation of alginate undergoing a two-step ionic crosslinking upon ultraviolet (UV) irradiation using in situ dynamic rheology, (c) hydrophobically-modified associative polymers and microgels in which the role of hydrophobic associations is modulated using phospholipids. The underlying interactions are examined via rheology and tribology with a goal to relate tribology to skin care applications, and (d) nanofibers templated with nanoparticles or encapsulated with functional moieties for use in sensors, regenerative medicine, and crop protection in Sub Saharan Africa.

All seminars are held on Wednesdays from 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m. in the Bowen Hall Auditorium Room 222. A light lunch is provided at 11:30 a.m. in the Bowen Hall Atrium immediately prior to the seminar.