Research interests

My research is focused on nano scaled systems using theoretical studies, modeling and simulation methods (such as molecular dynamics, tight binding and density functional theory). I am currently studying the mechanical and electronic properties of carbon nanotubes and their polymer composites, and I am interested in both fundamental physics and applications of these materials. Several subjects I am working on include:

(1) The mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties of carbon nanotube-polymer composites, such as the interaction (chemical/physical) between carbon nanotubes and polymer molecules, reinforcement of composites using nanotubes as fibers, and percolation phenomena in nanotube composites;

(2) The fracture mechanism and yielding behavior (short time scale and long time scale) of nanotubes and nanocomposites at various conditions (temperature, strain rate);

(3) The nanofluidics of polymer molecules in nanochannels.