Dr. Russell E. Gorga
Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science
- Nanosciences, Surface Modification, Fibers and Polymers
- Health and Safety
- Technical Textiles and Textile Structures
- Forensic Trace Evidence
My interests lie in producing polymer fibers (including nanofibers and nanocomposite fibers) with superior mechanical and conductive properties.
Specific interests include the fabrication and characterization of novel scaffolds for functional tissue engineering and filtration applications. Approaches include incorporation of nanoparticles for improved strength, conductivity, and optimal fiber morphology. Additionally, bicomponent fibers are utilized to optimize structural integrity and surface functionality of the fibrous structure. Development of scaffolds with antimicrobial properties are also a focus.
Most Recent Publications
1. Arvidson, S. A., Roskov, K. E., Patel, J. J., Spontak, R., Khan, S., Gorga, R. (2012). Modification of melt-spun isotactic polypropylene and poly(lactic acid) Bicomponent filaments with a premade block copolymer. Macromolecules , 45 (2) , 913-925.
2. Arvidson, S. A., Wong, K. C., Gorga, R., Khan, S. A. (2012). Structure, Molecular Orientation and Resultant Mechanical Properties in Core/Sheath Poly(lactic acid)/Polypropylene Composites. Polymer , 53 (3) , 791-800.
3. Sas, I., Gorga, R. E., Joines, J. A., Thoney, K. A. (2012). Literature review on superhydrophobic self-cleaning surfaces produced by electrospinning. J. Polym. Sci. B Polym. Phys. , 50 .
4. Thoppey-Muthuraman, N., Bochinski, J. R., Clarke, L. I., Gorga, R. E. (2011). Edge electrospinning for high throughput production of quality nanofibers. Nanotechnology , 22 (34) , 5301.
5. Ramaswamy, S., Clarke, L. I., Gorga, R. E. (2011). Morphological, mechanical, and electrical properties as a function of thermal bonding in electrospun nanocomposites. Polymer , 52 (14) , 3183-3189.
Russell E. Gorga is currently an Associate Professor in the Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science Department at NC State University and former Program Director of Textile Engineering. His main interests lie in developing polymer nanocomposites with improved properties (mechanical and conductive) for a variety of functional applications.
Before coming to NC State, Dr. Gorga was a post doctoral associate at MIT where he worked on improving the strength of brittle polymers (such as poly (methyl methacrylate). This work was carried out under Prof. Robert Cohen in the Department of Chemical Engineering.
His doctoral work focused on developing relationships between molecular-micro-macro properties of polymer-polymer interfaces. Specifically, interfacial strength was mechanistically related to miscibility and mobility characteristics of the polymer constituents.
In addition, Dr. Gorga worked as a research engineer at Union Carbide Corporation from 1997 through 2000, where he focused on structure-property relationships of semi-crystalline polymers for high strength commodity applications.
Dr. Gorga is also extremely interested in classroom innovations, and continually seeks new ways to make the classroom a learning-focused environment.
In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, hiking, kayaking, photography, and music.
TE 463 - Polymer Engineering
TMS 211L- Introduction to Fiber Science Laboratory
TMS 761 - Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Fibers
TE 105 - Introduction to Textile Engineering and Systems
TE 401 - TE Senior Design I
TE 402 - TE Senior Design II
TE 565 - Composites
TMS 500 - Microscopy
Nagarajan Thoppey Muthukumar: Thesis Proposal, "Development and optimization of an alternative electrospinning process for high throughput" MS, PhD [Co-C]
Sangeetha Ramaswamy: Thesis Proposal, "Effect of electrical stimulation on growth and differentiation of stems cells seeded on novel fibrous scaffolds" MS [Co-C-CMP-May 2010 ]
Sara Arvidson: Thesis Proposal, "Fundamentals of fiber formation in the spun-bond process" PhD [Co-C-CMP- May 2011]
Seth D. McCullen: Thesis Proposal, "Controlled differentiation and growth of hMSCs via electrical stimulation and shear stress" MS, PhD [Co-C-CMP- May 2009]
Sridevi Seshabattar: Thesis Proposal, "Bi-component fibers for enhanced thermal bonding and structural integrity" MS [C]
Philip Bradford: Thesis Proposal, "Mechanical Properties of carbon nanotube yarns" MS [Co-C-CMP - May 2007]
Satyajeet Ojha: Thesis Proposal, "Conductivity of sheath/core Nanocomposite Nanofibers" MS [C-CMP, December 2007]
Seth D. McCullen: Thesis Proposal, "Effect of Nanocomposite fibers on Tissue Growth" MS [Co-C-CMP – December 2006]
William Dondero: Thesis, "Morphological and Structural effects of Polypropylene fibers filled with Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes" MS [C-CMP – June 2005]
Post Doctoral Associate, Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2002 - 2003
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Iowa State University, 2002
M.S., Chemical Engineering, Rutgers University, 1997
B.S., Materials Engineering, Drexel University, 1994
Academy of Outstanding Teachers, NC State University, inducted 2007
Alpha Sigma Mu, Honorary Materials Engineering Society
American Chemical Society
American Chemical Society, NC Section, Polymer Discussion Group, President
American Institute of Chemical Engineers
American Physical Society
The Fiber Society
Materials Research Society
Sigma Xi, Honorary Research Society, MIT Chapter
Tau Beta Pi, Honorary Engineering Society