Multi-Functional Polymer Composite Manufacturing
Our research focuses on the design and fabrication of multi-functional polymer composite materials with exceptional mechanical and physical properties. Inspired by our work on graphene-reinforced polymer films, we investigate how nano-fillers such as thermally reduced graphene oxide (TrGO) can be integrated into polymer matrices through scalable manufacturing processes like roll-to-roll hot-drawing. By combining experimental fabrication with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we study how processing conditions—such as drawing ratio and filler fraction—govern filler exfoliation, interfacial interactions, and load transfer at the nanoscale, ultimately enabling the design of lightweight composites for structural, protective, and thermal management applications. Students will assist with sample fabrication, mechanical testing, and/or computational modeling under the guidance of graduate students.
Joining the Tengfei Luo Lab gives you the rare chance to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of materials science, nanoscale engineering, and advanced manufacturing. You will work hands-on with real composite fabrication and characterization techniques, alongside a collaborative team of graduate students and faculty who are actively publishing in top journals. This project is ideal for students interested in materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or applied physics who want to develop both experimental and computational skills that are directly relevant to industries ranging from aerospace and defense to electronics and sustainable energy.