1.Physics of Polymer Nanocomposites & Hybrid Soft Matter

We are interested in the studies of the microscopic mechanism and theory in the synthesis-structure-property relation of polymer nanocomposites. The main approach is the probing of dynamic process across multiple spatial and temporal scales, including the dynamic structural evolution process and  various types of structural relaxation dynamics. The research projects covers the design and precise synthesis of model functional material systems, the build of sample environment for in situ/operando studies, the development of data analysis protocols, and finally the studies of dynamics processes using light, X-ray and neutron scattering techniques as well as broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The formation mechanism and structure-property relationship obtained is further applied for the material-by-design of functional materials, e.g. impact-resistant/shock wave-resistant materials, gas separation membranes and proton exchange membranes.

Fig. 1 Understanding the formation mechanism of PNCs using scattering techniques.

Fig. 2 Locate general rules for the structure-property relation of various functionalities of polymeric & PNC systems bridged with studies of chain/building unit dynmics.

2.Scattering & Dynamics Data analysis protocols