GabrielSanoja
- gesanoja@che.utexas.edu
- 512-471-5238
- EER 5.618
Engineering mechanical properties and lifetime of soft polymeric materials
About
Soft materials are irreplaceable in applications requiring large reversible deformations, such as elastomers in rubber tires, dampers and seals, hydrogels in contact lenses and super-absorbent diapers, and pressure-sensitive-adhesives in band-aids, double-sided tapes, and wearable electronics. These materials have elastic moduli and can sustain large deformations near pre-existing defects or cracks, and dissipate energy over regions considerably larger than the atomic size.
The Sanoja Research Group leverages recent advances in polymer science to unravel the structure-mechanics relationships of soft materials and develop design rules for optimizing their functional and mechanical properties. It aims to bridge the realms of polymer chemistry, polymer physics, and fracture mechanics to engineer advanced materials for a more energy efficient, healthy, and sustainable society.
Educational Qualifications
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (2016)
B.S., Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2012)
Select Awards & Honors
- Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award – Transport Processes (2015)
- Gold Button – Highest Academic Honor from the Venezuelan Association of Chemistry Olympiads (2007)
- Silver Medal on the 12th Iberoamerican Chemistry Olympiad (2007)
- Bronze Medal on the 39th International Chemistry Olympiad (2007)
- Bronze Medal on the 11th Iberoamerican Chemistry Olympiad (2006)