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Enabling Engineering Applications through the Self-Assembly of Nano- and Bio- Materials Dr. Virginia A. Davis Alumni Professor Graduate Program Chair Department of Chemical Engineering davisva@auburn.edu Slide 2 Slide 3 Optimizing properties requires understanding structure- processing-property interrelationships. Rheology probes structure and the effects of processing on structure. Rheology may be able to directly predict performance properties. CURRENT RESEARCH INTERESTS: Hierarchical structures Thermoplastic, thermoset, and biological nanocomposites Liquid crystalline self-assembly and flow alignment of nanocylinders, Optical/Display Applications, Additive Manufacturing Fluid Phase Processing of Nanocylinders Slide 4 Combining the high strength and/or conductivity of nanocylinders with the structure or function of DNA and enzymes to enable new applications Successful Engineering Applications Biology DNA Enzymes Nanocylinders Carbon Nanotubes Inorganic Nanowires Cellulose Nanocrystals Fundamental Knowledge Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes + dsDNA = Optical Films, Sensor Components, or Fibers Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes + Lysozyme = High Strength Antibacterial Films & FIbers Carbon Nanotubes + Organophosphate Hydrolase = Organophosphate Sensors Aqueous Processing of Carbon Nanotubes with dsDNA and/or Enzymes davisva@auburn.edu Slide 5 Cluster Hire Opportunities More Fundamental Soft Matter Physics Faculty focused on how things interact, assemble, and behave More and Better Utilization of Tools Expertise on using modern equipment for a range of problems beyond bio- or materials alone More Applied Beyond Bio- for Bio/Medical Biological materials and approaches for batteries, displays, energy Beyond Nano- Macro-scale Macro-market Macro Impact Slide 6 SWNT-H 2 SO 4 Dispersion imaged on Cytoviva Microscope