David Thomas Grubb

David Thomas Grubb is a Professor in the College of Engineering at Cornell University, with a focus on polymer science and materials engineering. He is affiliated with the Field of Textiles and holds memberships in prestigious societies including the American Physical Society, American Chemical Society, Electron Microscopy Society of America, and the Royal Microscopical Society.

Education:

• B.A. in Physics, Brasenose College (1966)
• M.A. in Physics, Brasenose College (1969)
• Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Oxford University (1970)

Grubb's research explores the relationship between polymer structure and mechanical properties, particularly in semi-crystalline materials like nylon, Kevlar, and spider silk. His work leverages advanced techniques such as electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and synchrotron X-ray scattering to investigate nanoscale crystalline structures and their alignment in fibers.

Recent publications highlight his studies on dehydration effects in nylon fibers, deformation mechanisms in polyethylene terephthalate, and structural modeling of biodegradable polymers. His research also spans natural materials like beta-keratin in feathers.