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Professor Barrera currently has research on nanotube the following topics:
Thermoplastic nanocomposites with nanotubes for conducting polymers, structural composites, thermal property development and hybrid systems polymeric architecture development. Specific systems studied include: ABS, PE, PP, nylon.
Thermoset epoxy and vinyl ester matrix fiber reinforced composites with dispersed nanotubes for z-axis property enhancement, high concentration nanotube hybrid system, and formation of hybrid epoxies and new polymeric formulations. Specific systems studied are an Epon epoxy and vinyl esters with glass fibers.
Metal matrix nanocomposites with dispersed nanotubes or fullerenes for grain boundary stabilization, strength enhancement, to enhance electrical conduction and magnetic properties. Specific systems include: Al, Cu, Co, Co-Fe, and Fe.
Ceramic nanocomposites with dispersed nanotubes and nanofibers for thermal management and mechanical property development. Specific systems include: Zirconia for thermal management and silicon nitride for mechanical property enhancement.
Other areas of interest include: hypervelocity impact of shielding materials for space applications, nanofluids, materials development for radiation protection, and a better understanding of the time necessary for completing developments in material science for commercialization.
Barrera completed a sabbatical at the NASA Johnson Space Center in 1999 where he worked extensively in the research of advanced materials with nanotubes.
Professor Barrera is currently teaching MSCI 415 Ceramic Materials and MSCI 523 Composite Materials.
Barrera is a member of American Society of Materials (ASM), The Material Society (TMS), the TMS Powder Materials Committee and the Joint ASM/TMS Composites Committee.
Barrera is a Cluster Leader for the Rice University NSF Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (NSF AGEP). This program is directed toward moving underrepresented students in science and engineering to the Ph.D. level and the professoriate.
Barrera has a recognized K-12 program called the Materials Magic Show which he and his students present to area schools. Requests for this show to be given at your institution can be made to ebarrera@rice.edu .
Barrera has published over 100 papers, proceedings, books, an chapters, given over 80 talks, and has seven patents submitted in his research.
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