Research overview
Prof. Dr. Stephen J. Picken
Prof. dr. Stephen J. Picken is an expert on polymer materials, in particular in the field of liquid crystal polymers and (bio)polymer nanocomposite based systems. His work is aimed at using modelling and structural characterisation methods to elucidate the structure-property relations in such materials, including the dynamics during formation and in the final material.
In the field of Liquid Crystals his works is mainly devoted to physical characterisation via optical techniques, structure using X-ray diffraction and relating the phase and structure to the performance of these materials as fibres and optical films.
The work on polymer materials focuses on elucidating the structure property relations of polymer nanocomposites, for mechanical performance (in particular modulus) and for barrier/transport properties (permeability, thermal conduction, ion mobility). Recently the focus has shifted to biopolymer based materials, where also ionic interactions start to play a significant role in determining the material properties.
Dr. H. Burak Eral
The focus of our lab is understanding the fundamental principles governing out-of-equilibrium manufacturing/separation processes involving flow, phase transitions (particularly, crystallization) and complex fluids. Leveraging this fundamental understanding, we design sustainable processes and materials transforming fine chemicals, pharmaceutical, energy and bioprocess/biomedical industries combining experimental techniques (microfluidics, microscopy, rheology and scattering) and theoretical approaches (analytical/simulation techniques). We are an interdisciplinary group of engineers and scientists embedded within P&E department, 3ME faculty, TU Delft.
