Kenneth R. Brown, PhD
I am a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Virginia researching innovative materials and methods for producing low-cost, high-performance carbon fiber and polymer nanocomposites under the supervision of professor Xiaodong (Chris) Li. I’m excited to be advancing the sustainability of human mobility by making advanced materials more accessible for weight saving engineering designs.
Research Interests
Carbon Fiber
I am developing low-cost, high-performance carbon fibers by replacing its conventional precursor material, polyacrylonitrile, with cheap commodity synthetic polymers or bio-renewable feedstocks.
Polymer
Nanocomposites
Polymers are ubiquitous in modern life for better and for worse. Improving the properties of polymers through the use of nanoadditives, such as graphene, can extend their functional life thereby reducing the amount that becomes waste.
Additive Manufacturing
Innovative engineering requires innovative materials and manufacturing methods. I am interested in expanding the capabilities, quality, and efficiency of additive manufacturing.
Featured Posts & Publications
In addition to research, I love sharing what I’ve learned through teaching.
Here I’m giving a guest lecture to Professor Keith Williams “Intro to Engineering” course, Spring 2021