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Our research focuses on the integration of continuum analysis with molecular details in polymeric materials processing. Areas of current interests include the microstructural rheology and processing of complex fluids, the formation of nanofibers via electrospinning, the occurrence of purely elastic instabilities in polymer flows, and the solid state processing of advanced polymeric materials. In particular, we have laid the foundation for new experimental and theoretical studies on nanofiber formation via electrospinning in which a droplet of polymer liquid is elongated by the action of a strong electrical field. The resulting nanofibers are collected as non-woven mats with large surface area to volume ratios which can be used in filtration, catalysis, membrane applications and reinforced composites. We develope comprehensive models to provide a fundamental understanding of nanofiber formation and we investigate the material-processing-structure relationship in nanoscale fibers. Nanofibers with controlled nano/microstructures are also being utilized in various fundamental studies such as cellulose hydrolysis in biomass and non-continuum gas-phase transport in sensing.

Yong Joo's Poster