(6hq) Structure-Property-Dynamics Relationships in Multi-Phasic Polymers: Leveraging Self-Assembly of Compatibilizers

During my Ph.D. research, the development of tunable multiphasic materials with specific functionalities was achieved to improve the (di)electrical properties of polymer blends at hierarchical length scales. This was achieved by tailoring the biphasic morphology using novel compatibilizers, such as random copolymers, short polymers, and long functionalized polymers, in combination with selective localization of conducting nanoparticles. Unprecedented success in developing flexible conductive polymer materials was attained that is multi-purpose useful for EMI shielding, capacitive sensors and in flow batteries.

My postdoctoral research involves the use of micro-slit rheometer compatible with simultaneous neutron scattering measurements to generate insight into the development of material structure and corresponding rheological and dielectric properties of complex soft materials under industrially relevant conditions. A toolbox of anisotropic particles suspension with varying aspect ratio, bimodal polymer blends in solution, and suspension of DNA are characterized to answer the fundamental questions relevant to the flow behavior of soft materials under elevated shear rates or large pressures.

Research Interests: Polymer Blends and Nanocomposites, Conducting Polymers, Colloidal Suspension, Compatibilization, Self-assembly, Rheology, Dielectric Spectroscopy, X-ray and Neutron Scattering, Micro-slit Rheometers, Rheology-Dielectric Spectroscopy-Small Angle Neutron Scattering.

Teaching Interests: Fluid Mechanics, Chemical Kinetics, Transport Phenomena, and Thermodynamics.