(3dv) Dynamics, Transport, and Self-Assembly in Flowing Polymeric Liquids | AIChE

(3dv) Dynamics, Transport, and Self-Assembly in Flowing Polymeric Liquids

Authors 

Dutta, S. - Presenter, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Research Interests

My research interests lie in the area of dynamics of polymeric liquids and
microscale flows. As the canonical example of non-newtonian fluids, polymeric
systems have long served as a rich source of problems important both from a
fundamental standpoint as well as engineering applications. While great
progress has been made in our understanding of linear homopolymers, as polymer
synthesis techniques rapidly progress, chemists are able to synthesize
macromolecules with highly complex architectures, far beyond simple long chain
branching, with unprecendented control over chemical details at the molecular
level. Indeed, the current trend in polymer science towards developing
functional materials relies more on novel molecular topology involving commodity
polymers rather than synthesizing molecules with exotic monomers. Hierarchical
self-assembly of such molecules, e.g., using block-copolymers is often leveraged
for creating responsive materials whose properties can be manipulated on-the-fly
with external stimuli. Presence of charges on polymer subchains leads to further
complexity. Processing of such polymers presents unique challenges that require
extensive research on their flow behavior and rheology, as our knowledge of
linear chain behavior often do not translate to molecules with non-trivial
topologies. I use theory along with computer simulations to gain insight into
such problems, with an emphasis on out-of-equilibrium dynamics in flowing
systems.

In this poster, first, I will present my work on elucidating the structure and
dynamics of bottlebrush polymers. Bottlebrushes are highly branched
macromolecules consisting of a large number of side chains densely grafted onto
a central backbone chain, capable of flow-driven self-assembly to form
hierarchical soft materials. I am investigating these systems in collaboration
with experimental groups for potential application as photonic crystals with
on-the-fly tunable properties via 3-D printing. Next, I will discuss my recent
investigations on transport of ions and small molecules in precision controlled
dynamic polymer networks, e.g., vitrimers. This work is also in collaboration
with several experimental and theory groups, as part of a joint Department of
Energy project, geared towards gaining a mechanistic understanding of transport
and dynamics for improving the efficiency of liquid separations and energy
storage devices. Finally, I will discuss my proposed research projects for the
near future that builds on my current expertise on polymeric liquids and fluid
dynamics.

Teaching interests

I am willing to teach any of the core undergraduate level courses in chemical
engineering. At the graduate level, I would prefer to teach fluid
mechanics/transport and applied mathematics courses as these topics are closer
to my areas of expertise and interest. I would also like to develop a new
course based on a set of closely related topics centered around low Reynolds
number hydrodynamics, Brownian motion, and possibly microscale transport. This
course will be aimed at graduate students, and will specifically be useful for
students working in micro or nanofluidics.

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