Michael F. Rubner

Research

Professor Michael F. Rubner’s research is focused on the design, fabrication, and properties of ultra-thin films of polymers for electrical, optical, and biomaterial applications. Much of this research uses a molecular-level, layer-by-layer processing technique that makes it possible to fabricate complex thin film heterostructures with a wide range of properties. Properties and applications of interest include anti-fogging coatings, anti-reflection coatings, photonic band-gap reflectors, bio-inert coatings, bio-specific coatings, ink-jet and micro-contact printed patterned thin films, micro- and nanoporous thin films, structural color, and patterned biosensors. Fundamental studies are aimed at understanding hydrogen bonding and electrostatic multilayer assembly, interactions of cells and bacteria with surfaces, and mechanisms controlling the wetting of surfaces with water.