Systems: networks, gels complex fluids, dispersions, intermolecular complexes, molecular recognition, crystallization, self-assembly, interfacial phenomena, biomimetics, formulations.
Materials: polymers (polyelectrolytes, biopolymers, associating polymers, block copolymers), surfactants, biomaterials, supramolecules, dyes, colloidal particles, crystals, cosolvents.
Techniques: rheology, small-angle X-ray (SAXS) and neutron (SANS) scattering, static and dynamic light scattering, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, conductivity, vapor pressure osmometry (VPO), surface free energy, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Broad impact: products and processes that improve the quality of life (health, environment).

Green processing of a renewable and sustainable natural resource
3/22/18
Organic solvents, potentially harmful to the environment, are often used in the pretreatment and processing of cellulosic biomass. Fundamental information is lacking on the interplay between nano-scale solvent-cellulose interactions and large-scale biomass solvent processing.

Marina Tsianou

PhD