Events Calendar

Graduate Seminar

Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science Presents:"FUNCTIONAL DESIGN FOR NANOSCALE ARCHITECTURES"Marilyn L. Minus, Ph.D.
School of Polymer, Textile, and Fiber Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GeorgiaAbstractFunctional materials are indigenous to nature. From a morphological standpoint, these materials are designed such that every feature is involved in its functional capability. Materials produced in the research lab and industries have yet to capture the kind of functional efficiency exhibited in nature. The field of nanotechnology has ushered in a new era for the design and processing of materials. The abundance of nanomaterials available provides endless combinations for imagining and constructing nanocomposites which have applications within one or more field of study. In addition, this field has also opened new opportunities of educational gleaning for future generations of scientist. The nano- and macro-scale properties of polymers have long been studied and much is already known. However, the mishmash of polymer with nanoparticles has now broadened our view of how these macromolecules can be influenced into novel architectures at the nanoscale to produce new structures and enhancement of bulk properties. Polymer selforganization/assembly directly influenced by nanoparticles provides a basis to approach many fundamental research questions including the design of new materials for energy applications. Understanding these processes and utilizing these designs has the potential to reshape our view of how to incorporate polymers into nanocomposites to tailor bulk applications for specific functionalities. Such intelligent design combines both top-down and bottom-up approaches for erecting nanocomposites. In our world, new product design, development, and optimization are in constant demand and these materials find their beginnings in the laboratory. The potential implications of applying technology to the nano world breathe new life into researching materials for energy applications. Can we dream of a way to use the wealth of new materials available today to construct a system that will simultaneously convert CO2 to O2 and provide energy from solar and bio sources? Such a mechanism can exist as thin flexible sheets can be incorporated into window panels, construction and automotive materials, or industrial textiles making use of rain water and sunlight to provide electrical energy to buildings or vehicles while cleaning the air we breathe.

Location: Olin Hall of Engineering (OHE) - 122

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Petra Pearce Sapir