Speaker: Martin Thuo, Assistant Professor at Iowa State University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Title: Efficient Materials Synthesis and/or Processing through Surfaces and Interfaces
Abstract: Gibbsian thermodynamics is pegged on the notion of equilibrium, but, not all equilibria states are equal. Whereas very useful, equilibrium can blind our creative genius, hence, limit technological innovations. Metastability on the other hand is poorly understood and progress in this area is largely heuristic. The Soft Matter and Materials Transport group at ISU was founded on the hypothesis that quasi-equilibrium and metastable states are a good strategy for frugal materials engineering. Felicitous choice of processing conditions enabled validation of this ansatz, with concomitant fundamental advances across different material classes. This has led to a few neoteric technologies like; i) undercooled metals for heat-free solders and flexible electronics, ii) amphiphobic surfaces with controlled wettability, lubricity, or structure, and, iii) engineered interfaces for tunneling-based organic electronics or e-waste separation. This talk will provide a summary of this effort in the form of three case studies.
Bio: Prof. Martin Thuo is a faculty in materials science and engineering, with courtesy appointment in electrical and computer engineering. Prof. Thuo received his doctorate in 2008 followed by fellowships at Harvard University. His research interests encompass the general theme of frugal innovation through simplicity, with a focus on soft materials and interfaces. Prof. Thuo is also an academic-entrepreneur with two start-up companies, Sep-all and Safi-Tech, based on research from his group.
MSE Seminar Host: Michael Bartlett