Overview
The research of the Rubinstein group is in the field of polymer theory and computer simulations. The unique properties of polymeric systems are due to the size, topology and interactions of the molecules they are made of. Our goal is to understand the properties of various polymeric systems and to design new systems with even more interesting and useful properties.
Our approach is based upon building and solving simple molecular models of different polymeric systems. The models we develop are simple enough to be solved either analytically or numerically, but contain the main features leading to unique properties of real polymers. Computer simulations of our models serve as an important bridge between analytical calculations and experiments.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Aleksandar S. Vesic Distinguished Professor
·
2020 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
·
2018 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Chemistry
·
2018 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Physics
·
2018 - Present
Physics,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
·
2018 - Present
Biomedical Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Recent Publications
Rubber that lasts longer
Journal Article Nature Sustainability · June 1, 2025 Natural rubber has many uses in a variety of industries, enabled by ‘crosslinking’ between its tangled polymers, which creates elasticity. But rubber can crack and suffer fatigue. It is now shown that reducing the crosslink density in highly entangled natu ... Full text CiteRapid self-strengthening in double-network hydrogels triggered by bond scission.
Journal Article Nature materials · April 2025 The scission of chemical bonds in materials can lead to catastrophic failure, with weak bonds typically undermining the materials' strength. Here we demonstrate how weak bonds can be leveraged to achieve self-strengthening in polymer network materials. The ... Full text CiteFracture of polymer-like networks with hybrid bond strengths
Journal Article Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids · February 1, 2025 The design and functionality of polymeric materials hinge on failure resistance. While molecular-level details drive crack evolution in polymer networks, the connection between individual chain scission and bulk failure remains unclear and difficult to pro ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Multi-Scale Investigations of Respiratory Mucus/Mucin Structure and Function in Health and Disease
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2022 - 2027NSF Center for the Chemistry of Molecularly Optimized Networks
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2021 - 2026Multi-Scale Investigations of Respiratory Mucus/Mucin Structure and Function in Health and Disease
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2023 - 2025View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Harvard University ·
1983
Ph.D.