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Faculty Profile Last Modified Time: 02:04:34 PM Fri, 27 Mar 2020   Contact Information Ramanan Krishnamoorti Associated Profiles  Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Chemistry, University of Houston   Engineering Building 1, Room No.: S329    ramanan@uh.edu     713-743-4307    Web Link    Polymer Technology and Applications, Polyolefins, Biomaterials, Nanotechnology    Associated Profiles Professional Preparation Research and Expertise Appointments  Professional Preparation  Degree Major Institution Year  PhD Chemical Engineering Princeton University 1994  B. Tech Chemical Engineering Indian Institute of Technology 1988  Research and Expertise Research Interests   The goals of my research are to develop materials with tailored properties through a detailed understanding and manipulation of molecular level structure, synthesis and most uniquely processing methodologies. While the importance of structure-property correlations for materials has been recognized, the importance of processing conditions on the evolution of structure and hence properties in the case of soft materials have not been fully understood. Resulting from the long-chain nature, high viscosities, low diffusion coefficients and rapid vitrification or crystallization, the structure and properties of polymeric materials are significantly affected by their processing. We are pursuing a detailed research program, in collaboration with researchers in industry and national laboratories, to address the role of processing on the structure and properties of multi-phase polymers including polymer blends, block copolymers and microemulsions. Specific research focuses on understanding traditional polyolefin and polydiene materials and developing amphiphilic block, graft and star polymers for a number of technological applications. The potential for the use of highly anisotropic nanoparticles such as layered silicates and carbon nanotubes dispersed in polymeric matrices promises the ability to develop combinations of physical, mechanical and thermal properties while not increasing weight and thus a new paradigm in materials technology. We have focused our efforts in developing fundamental understanding of the dispersion of the nanoparticles, characterization methodologies that span from the nano to macro length scales, develop correlations to properties and understand how processing can lead to unique microstructures and properties. Specific research focuses on light weighting automobile parts, developing super-strong fibers, strengthened elastomers, materials for fuel cells, longer life lithium ion batteries and improved materials for tissue replacement. Drug and gene delivery methods are increasingly using bio-inspired membranes as carriers and targeting vehicles. We are currently involved in characterizing and modeling the ability of polymeric materials to provide spatio-temporal stability for such bio-membranes using a range of novel experimental and molecular modeling techniques. Further, we are collaborating with a number of researchers from the medical community in Houston towards the synthesis, characterization and development of delivery vehicles using phospholipids and their polymeric analogs. Five specific projects that are currently pursued in my research group are: Effect of pressure on the phase behavior of polyolefin blends, Polymer crystallinity in bulk and thin films, Phase transitions in block copolymers and block copolymer based balanced microemulsions, Structure and viscoelasticity of macro- and nano-composites, Structure and transport in biopolymers.  Publications/Creative Works Click here to search for this faculty member's publications on PubMed.  Appointments Title Department / School Institution Professor Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering University of Houston

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