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NanoEngineering Group
Structure and Dynamics of Polyelectrolyte Complex Network under Electric Field
Structure and Dynamics of Polyelectrolyte Complex Network under Electric Field
Abstract:
Abstract:
Electrostatic interactions between polyelectrolyte (PE) charges and dissociated counterions provide PEs with intriguing properties and significantly determine their conformation and dynamics. When oppositely charged PEs are mixed, the variety of the compositions spans from poorly processable, kinetically trapped PE complexes (solid) to coacervates (elastic liquid) to dissolved solutions with increasing salt concentration, pH level, or charge asymmetry.
Creating fibers or films with controlled microstructure from PE complex typically requires a global network that will impart viscoelastic properties. Nonetheless, regulating the structure and dynamics of a global network comprised of PE complexes remains a research challenge.
This research shows how weak PE chains form a global network when they are oppositely charged and how strong electric fields lead to orientational order. The development of controlled drug release and responsive structures is demonstrated by the use of ordered PE with tunable intermolecular interactions.
Biography:
Biography:
Eyal Zussman is a Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology. He received his doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from the Technion in 1992. From 1992 to 1994, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the Technical University in Berlin, Germany. Zussman’s research interests are in the nanoscale polymer fabrication and mechanics.
Prof. Zussman group is focused in research of area of molecular engineering of soft matter, in particular the development of process-structure-property relationships, through the use of simulation and experiment, and the development of functional nano-structures, such as: electrospun fibers, thin films, beads etc.
Some of the group’s important contributions are:
Experimental study of the electrospinning process, including cone-like surfaces from which jets emerge, jet profiles, and stability of jet paths.
In-depth understanding of the fundamental physical facets of electrospinning of core-sheath systems and hollow micro-scale fibers.
Understanding the central role of the polymer nanofiber microstructure, i.e., supramolecular structures, which ultimately governs the unique mechanical and thermo-mechanical behavior of the nano-object products.
Helping to establish electrospinning of polymer nanofibers as a broad technology platform for applications in design of composite materials, drug delivery technologies, and in regenerative medicine.
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