Prof. Yuris Dzenis

Affiliation: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lecture: Simultaneously Strong and Tough Continuous Nanofibers for Structural and Functional Materials and Composites

Title: R. Vernon McBroom Professor of Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Yuris Dzenis is a McBroom Professor of Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has earned his PhD in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas-Arlington, PhD in Physics and Mechanics of Polymers from Latvian Academy of Sciences, and MS in Physics (Electrodynamics and Mechanics of Continua) from Latvian University. He has been a research fellow at the Institute of Polymer Mechanics, Latvian Academy of Sciences, a research scientist at the Institute of Polymer Science, University of Akron, and a visiting professor at Doshisha University, Kyoto, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand (Erskine Fellow - twice), University of Paris – VI (twice), and University of Trento, Italy.

Prof. Dzenis’ research interests are in design, characterization, and modeling of advanced structural polymers, nanostructured materials, fibers, composites, and bio-/biomimetic materials and in development of precision processes for their controlled manufacture. He has developed a unique interdisciplinary Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanomanufacturing Laboratory and served as a PI/PD on over 25 federal projects. Prof. Dzenis has developed and studied a number of unusual materials including polymer composites with aggregating and hollow inclusions, particulate/fiber hybrids, continuous polymer, carbon, and ceramic nanofibers, and hierarchical nano/micro composites. He has introduced a concept of nanoreinforcement of interfaces and pioneered development of cost-effective delamination resistant nanoreinforced structural composites. He is currently involved in developing manufacturing processes and understanding mechanical and functional behavior of several structural and multifunctional nanofibers, in collaboration with colleagues from various institutions and disciplines. Most recent advances include the discovery of simultaneously strong and tough continuous polymer nanofibers and the development of continuous carbon nanofibers with improved structure and properties. Dr. Dzenis served on a number of national and international panels and committees on nanomanufacturing, advanced polymers and multifunctional materials, composites, and NDE. He has been an invited keynote and plenary speaker at numerous US national and international conferences on nanotechnology, materials, mechanics, NDE, and composites.