Teaching

CHE 659: Introduction to Polymer Blends and Nanocomposites

Semester: Spring

Offered: 2025

The critical goal of this course is to explore the fascinating world of polymer blends and nanocomposites, providing an in-depth understanding of their underlying chemistry and processing techniques. Through this course, we will delve into the latest advancements in polymer science, focusing on how state-of-the-art materials are designed and processed to meet the demands of various manufacturing applications. We will make use of our understanding of polymers and materials science to dive a bit deeper into:

(a) Introduction to Polymer Blends and Composites:

•  Fundamental concepts of polymer-polymer miscibility and factors governing miscibility

• Examination of immiscible systems and phase separation

(b) Interface and Property Development:

• Importance of interfaces in property development

• Role of compatibilizers and methods of compatibilization

(c) Types of Polymer Blends:

• Blends of amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers

• Rubber-toughened polymers and their applications

(d) Composite Materials:

• Particulate and fiber-reinforced composites

• Nanostructured materials like nano clay, carbon nanotubes, and graphene

(e) Processing Techniques:

• Methods such as solution mixing and melt processing

• Impact of processing techniques on rheological, mechanical, and physical properties

(f) Applications of Blends, Composites, and Nanocomposites:

• Exploration of unique properties and practical applications in various industries

CHE 494/594: Applied Materials Engineering/Applied Materials Processing

Semester: Spring

Offered: 2024, 2025

The critical goal of this course is to understand the language of the current trending materials and provide an overview of the underlying chemistry and processing that help us design these materials. Through this course, we will understand how the current state-of-art engineering materials are designed and how essential processing steps dictate their applications in different areas of manufacturing. We will make use of our understanding in chemical engineering thermodynamics and materials science to dive a bit deeper into:

• Methodology of Materials Selection and the key properties of materials

• Current engineering materials

• Processing techniques to design alloys, ceramics, polymer blends, and composites. (includes surface engineering and nanotechnology)

CHE 294: Nature and Properties of Materials

Semester: Fall

Offered: 2024

Introductory course to Materials Science and Engineering. The content of the course includes an introduction to the fundamental nature and properties of materials, including bonding, composition, and phase diagrams. Composite materials and aspects of materials processing, including diffusion, nucleation, and transformation diagrams associated with materials

CHE 295: Nature and Properties of Materials Laboratory

Semester: Fall

Offered: 2024

Experiments include characterizing material structures and testing mechanical properties. Emphasis on numerical and statistical analysis of the data. Written reports are required, and elements of materials design are presented.