Joseph Koo

Joseph Koo is a Senior Research Scientist in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, where he has served since 2004. He directs the Polymer Nanocomposites Technology Lab and maintains affiliations with the Advanced Manufacturing Design Center and Texas Materials Institute, focusing on extreme-environment material solutions for aerospace and defense applications.

Dr. Koo's research centers on Polymer Nanocomposites Technology Designed for Extreme Environments, with expertise spanning ablation systems for rocket motors, flame-retardant polymer development, conductive polymers, and additive manufacturing processes including Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), and Multi Jet Fusion 3D (MJF3D). His work integrates nanotechnology to enhance material performance under high-temperature, fire, and mechanical stress conditions critical to aerospace systems.

Analysis of his 2016-2018 publications reveals dominant themes in polymer nanocomposites for thermal protection systems, with significant contributions to flame-retardant polyamides for 3D printing and multifunctional additive manufacturing materials. His research consistently employs nanofillers like carbon nanotubes and nanoclay to achieve synergistic property enhancements in mechanical strength, thermal stability, and fire resistance.

Dr. Koo has earned prestigious professional recognition:

• Fellow of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE)
• Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)

He has secured extensive research funding from diverse sponsors including multiple Department of Defense agencies (AFOSR, AFRL, DTRA, NASA, ONR), Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, National Science Foundation, and private industry partners. His prolific output of over 550 publications, presentations, and patents demonstrates exceptional research productivity and impact.

Leading the Polymer Nanocomposites Technology Lab, Dr. Koo collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across the Advanced Manufacturing Design Center and Texas Materials Institute to translate nanocomposite research into practical aerospace, defense, and manufacturing solutions through industry partnerships and government-sponsored programs.