SEMINAR:Tailoring Molecular Topology to Control the Mechanical ...

Abstract: In this talk, I will summarize recent advances in computational design of new macromolecular materials that make use of nanoscale topologies, such as brushes, networks, and folded loops, that result in exceptional mechanical properties. I will first present physics-based and machine learning approaches that were developed to describe molecular and mesoscale mechanics of polymers and polymer-grafted nanoparticle systems. Following this, I will present strategies for achieving higher strength, toughness, and impact tolerance in soft materials. These strategies involve the use of star polymers and polymer grafted nanoparticles to improve diametrically opposed mechanical properties such as modulus and toughness, while also controlling the time-dependent characteristics of the response. The effect of nanoconfinement (and its release) on the modulus and toughness of polymer-grafted nanoparticles will be discussed. I will conclude with some thoughts on how to translate these findings to new material concepts that could be explored further with synergistic experiments and simulations.

Bio: Sinan Keten is the Jerome B. Cohen Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, and Associate Chair of the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University. He joined Northwestern University faculty in 2010 after obtaining his Ph.D. from MIT. His research expertise is on computational materials design and mechanics with an emphasis on soft matter, and he has co-authored over 150 journal articles in this area. Prof. Keten has received several honors including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), Office of Naval Research (ONR) Young Investigator Program (YIP) Award, Society of Engineering Science Young Investigator Medal, ASME Sia Nemat Nasser Award, ASME Thomas J. R. Hughes Young Investigator Award, ASME/PTS Gustus Larson Memorial Award, and ASCE Huber Prize. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and serves as an Associate Editor for npj Computational Materials. He currently serves as the President of the Society of Engineering Science and represents the society at the US National Committee on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.