Application of First-principles Theory in Condensed Matter Physics, Surface Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering: Coatings, Catalysis, and Devices. The project addresses areas of high technological interest, namely the development of nitride-based materials for hard-coatings, spintronic (control and use of electron spin) and optoelectronic (in the blue/UV energy range) devices - as well as the area of heterogeneous oxidation catalysis. Using state-of-the-art methods it will lead to the developme ....Application of First-principles Theory in Condensed Matter Physics, Surface Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering: Coatings, Catalysis, and Devices. The project addresses areas of high technological interest, namely the development of nitride-based materials for hard-coatings, spintronic (control and use of electron spin) and optoelectronic (in the blue/UV energy range) devices - as well as the area of heterogeneous oxidation catalysis. Using state-of-the-art methods it will lead to the development of new materials and devices of relevance to industry.Read moreRead less
Deformation and Fracture Studies on Polymer Nano-Composites. Polymer nano-composites are a class of emerging materials consisting of nano-meter scale inorganic fillers dispersed in an organic polymer matrix. THey have superior specific strengh and stiffness, good fire retardant and barrier properties. AS such, they have found many potential applications in the automotive and packagingindustries. However, one major limitation is their low fracture toughness. This project aims to study the ori ....Deformation and Fracture Studies on Polymer Nano-Composites. Polymer nano-composites are a class of emerging materials consisting of nano-meter scale inorganic fillers dispersed in an organic polymer matrix. THey have superior specific strengh and stiffness, good fire retardant and barrier properties. AS such, they have found many potential applications in the automotive and packagingindustries. However, one major limitation is their low fracture toughness. This project aims to study the origin of brittleness and improve the toughness. THe anticipated outcomes are: (a) new methods of toughening, and (b) design tools to tailor processing-microstructure-mechanical properties of these nano-composites.Read moreRead less