In this opportunity, we develop novel scanning probe microscopy methods and instrumentation to characterize the properties of advanced material systems. These systems can range from model polymers used to validate new methods, to energy materials (e.g., cellulosic biomass), to materials used in advanced manufacturing (e.g., 3d printing). There is a strong focus on mechanical property characterization with dynamic atomic force microscopy methods; however, there is also interest in other relevant material properties.

 

References

Killgore, J. P., & DelRio, F. W. (2018). Contact resonance force microscopy for viscoelastic property measurements: from fundamentals to state-of-the-art applications. Macromolecules, 51(18), 6977-6996.

Ciesielski, P. N., Wagner, R., Bharadwaj, V. S., Killgore, J., Mittal, A., Beckham, G. T., ... & Crowley, M. F. (2019). Nanomechanics of cellulose deformation reveal molecular defects that facilitate natural deconstruction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(20), 9825-9830.

Fiedler-Higgins, C. I., Cox, L. M., DelRio, F. W., & Killgore, J. P. (2019). Monitoring Fast, Voxel-Scale Cure Kinetics via Sample-Coupled-Resonance Photorheology. Small Methods, 3(2), 1800275. 

key words

Atomic force microscopy; Nanomechanics; Interfaces; Polymers; Thin films; Additive manufacturing; Renewable energy;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants