ABSTRACT:

Supramolecular polymers are known to form strong and resilient hydrogels or organogels  which can uptake large amounts of solvent while exhibiting ease of processing and self-healing. Despite their widespread applicability, a fundamental understanding of their rheological behavior that would allow for a-la-carte molecular design is missing. Our collaborative efforts to contribute in this direction are based on the use of well-characterized systems, targeted experiments and simulations  to address specific questions including: (i) the tunable viscoelasticity of binary hydrogels, mediated by competing interactions ; (ii)  the much overlooked role of humidity on the linear and nonlinear rheology of organogels ; (iii) unusual stress relaxation phenomena in supramolecular assemblies.

BRIEF ACADEMIC/EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

• Foundation for Research & Technology – Hellas (FO.R.T.H.),  Heraklion,  Crete,  Greece.
• Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser (I.E.S.L.), Affiliated  Faculty and Researcher since 1992. University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
• Department of Materials Science & Technology,   Professor (2007- );  Associate Professor (2002-2007).                
• Mobil Research & Development Corporation, Paulsboro,  N.J., USA (1990-1991).
• Senior Staff Engineer,  Paulsboro Research Laboratory, Process Research and Technical Service Division
• Princeton Univ., Chem. Eng., PhD 1990
• Metelco SA, Greece, production engineer 1983-4.
• NTUA, Greece, Diploma Chem. Eng. 1983

MOST RECENT RESEARCH INTERESTS:

The underlying research theme is the molecular engineering of soft matter by devising strategies based on the design of model systems with adaptable molar mass and macromolecular architecture or tunable interactions, coupling thermodynamics with rheology and bridging the gap between polymers and colloids. This approach has revealed microscopic insights into the rheology of homogenous and heterogeneous polymers, colloids of varying softness and fluid interfaces. Current topics include rheometry, associating soft colloids, yielding transitions in soft colloidal mixtures, ring polymers, supramolecular assemblies, nonlinear rheology of unentangled polymers, thick polymers, double interpenetrating networks.