Our research program focuses on fabrication, rheology and processing behavior of novel and complex materials. Various classes of polymeric, soft-solids, gels, colloidal, nanoparticulate and biological systems are of interest to us. We are also engaged in engineering and characterizing functional fibers, from macro to electrospun nanofibers. Of particular interest to us are those systems that are relevant environmentally, biochemically or as advanced materials. Recent and/or ongoing projects in our group include:
Self-assembled nanoparticulate silica gels: micrcostructure, rheology and wall-slip
Functional electrospun nanofibers i) of associative polymer ii) with metal nanoparticles
Photo crosslinked polymers: gelation and crosslinking
Molecular orientation and fine structure development during polymer fiber formation
Synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite polymer electrolytes
Associative polymers: interactions with surfactants and cyclodextrins
Enzymatic modification of water-soluble polymer and gels
Polysaccharide-based oral drug delivery via enzymatic modification
Gelation of whey proteins through combined heat and enzyme treatment
Depolymerization of polyethylene terepthalate using supercritical carbon dioxide
Microstructure and rheology of polymer clay nanocomposites
Microstructure and rheology of polymer clay nanocomposites
Gelation of cellulose acetate in mixed solvents
Supercritical carbon dioxide facilitated micro- and nano-cellular thin film foams, polymer melt rheology
From the context of potential application, our projects traverse a wide range from drug delivery to new generation batteries. In the former case, we are examining hydrogels and nanofibers of enzymatically modified polymers and proteins for oral drug delivery. Our long standing interest in batteries involves developing nanoparticulate gels as electrolytes, and nanofibers as components of the electrodes. Electrospun nanofibers are also being investigated for use in biomedical applications, sensors, membranes, to name a few.
