Solvay Seminars in Macromolecular Science & Engineering

Sponsored by theSolvay International Chemical Group

Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII)

DATE: APRIL 17, 2019TIME: 11:15AM-12:15PMLOCATION: KELLY HALL 310

University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignMechanical Science and EngineeringPhone: 617-981-9247E-mail: nmiljkov@Illinois.edu

Abstract: Micro and nanoengineered surfaces haveexciting, untapped potential to improve energy andwater technologies. In this talk, I provide a few examplesof how we leverage micro and nanoscale surfaceengineering to develop accretion control surfaces (icingand fouling), advanced separations, and scalable anddurable nanomanufacturing paradigms. First, I discussour recent discovery of the importance of volatileorganic compounds on surface functionalization andnucleation phenomena. We use the insights gained todevelop a paradigm shift in micro/nanostructuring todemonstrate scalable and self-healing atmospheric-mediated superhydrophobicity. Next, I discuss our recentwork that harnesses novel surface designs to control andmanipulate phase-change processes. Low surfacetension condensates pose a unique challenge since theyoften form a film, even on hydrophobic coatings.Lubricant infused surfaces (LIS) represent a potentialsolution, where a lubricant immiscible with the lowsurface tension condensate is infused into a roughstructure on the condenser surface to repel thecondensate. We used LIS to demonstrate a 3ximprovement in heat transfer for ethanol and hexanecompared to filmwise condensation and provide detaileddesigned guidelines for LIS. Next, I briefly discuss howmicro/nanoengineered materials can be scaled up andapplied to real life meter-scale industrial equipmentthrough rational nanomanufacturing considerations. Foranti-icing heat exchanger applications, we show thatnanostructuring of the aluminum surface can delayfrosting by 3x and increase overall heat pump systemefficiency by 50%. Finally, I end my talk by brieflydiscussing novel approaches enabled through rationalmicro/nanostructuring, including: high temperaturebraze flow control in manufacturing, low and hightemperature fouling, and advanced thermal managementof power electronics.

Prof. Nenad Miljkovic“Advancing Energy and Water

Technologies via Micro/Nanoengineered Surfaces”University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Assistant ProfessorMechanical Science and Engineering

Host: Jonathan Boreyko

Bio: Dr. Nenad Miljkovic is currently anAssistant Professor of Mechanical Science andEngineering at the University of Illinois atUrbana-Champaign, where he leads the EnergyTransport Research Laboratory. His group’sresearch intersects the multidisciplinary fieldsof thermo-fluid science, interfacialphenomena, and renewable energy. Their workfocuses on bringing about efficiencyenhancements in various industries includingenergy (power generation, oil & gas, HVAC&R,renewables), water, transportation, andelectronics cooling, by fundamentally alteringthermal-fluid-surface interactions. In 2012, hewas the recipient of the ASME Micro/NanoHeat Transfer Heat and Mass TransferInternational Conference Best Paper Award,and in 2013 he received the WunschFoundation Silent Hoist and Crane Award foroutstanding graduate research during his PhD.