MWM_Tan

Assistant Professor at @NTUsg | #softmaterials #sustainability #stretchabledevices

[Xuanhe Zhao @ProfZhaoMIT]

Postdoctoral positions at Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART). We are particularly interested in motivated candidates in hydrogels, cell therapy, and biomanufacturing.

https://t.co/fYJoOWPOIN

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

My group is recruiting a Research Fellow to join the team!
Our research focuses on designing polymer networks for high mechanical performance and sustainability.
We welcome applications from candidates with relevant research experience.
https://t.co/eMWBkAp106

[Harvard SEAS @hseas]

A Harvard study describes a new way to process natural rubber that preserves its long molecular chains while mixing in strength-endowing particles. The resulting stiff and durable material could lead to strong, long-lasting, natural-rubber composite tires. https://t.co/iNgEXmmU1z

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

@ZacconeAlessio Your model uses an aggregate size (r) measured from TEM. But at percolation, these aggregates are in contact and form larger agglomerates. Should the same (r) be used? Or does it need to be redefined, given that the agglomerate 'size' changes as more filler is added.

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

Reducing hysteresis in rubber can translate to real energy savings, but particle reinforcement often increases energy loss. We show that long chains + structured silica break the trend, shifting composite architecture to unlock more efficient elastomers.
https://t.co/uOmxelI8c0

[Zhigang Suo @zhigangsuo]

Powder of silica is structured—primary particles, aggregates, agglomerates.

This paper shows that the composite of silica aggregates and long natural rubber chains has low hysteresis while maintaining stiffness.

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

@ZacconeAlessio Thank you for the recommendation! We didn't measure the distinct aggregate sizes, but applying your relation to our data is definitely on the agenda. I am curious: how would you adapt the aggregate size parameter for a percolated network where the fillers are in contact?

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

This discovery wouldn't be possible without @ChenghaiLi3 , Masako, Mikaya, @ykutsovsky, @zhigangsuo. @ACSPublications

Special shoutout to undergrads Masako and Mikaya, who joined us as part of their ES91R project. Never too early to start research!

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

Our group website is now live!

We share our latest research directions to design polymer systems that achieve performance, durability, and circularity.

Find out more about our work and opportunities to join us: https://t.co/n3IGPdaail

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

Learn more: https://t.co/ZuOBUfqi06

Many thanks to @GuodongNian @ZheqiChen @XianyangB @ykutsovsky @zhigangsuo

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

Preserving long rubber chains unlocks performance that conventional processing compromises!
In our latest @PNASNews paper, we show that avoiding mastication shifts silica-reinforced rubber into a regime of toughness and stiffness seldom observed.

[Scholarships Corner @scholar_corner]

NTU Global Connect Fellowship 2026 in Singapore (Fully Funded)

Link: https://t.co/dl8aDmji3o

Application Deadline: 15 February 2026

Credit: 2026 Nanyang Technological University

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

My group is recruiting a Research Fellow.
Our research focuses on designing polymer networks for high mechanical performance.
We would appreciate any help sharing this opportunity within your networks. Thank you!

https://t.co/4dbWTKIZLM

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

My group is recruiting a Research Fellow.
Our research focuses on designing polymer networks for high mechanical performance.
We would appreciate any help sharing this opportunity within your networks. Thank you!

https://t.co/4dbWTKIZLM

[Zhigang Suo @zhigangsuo]

The misleading phrase “energy dissipation” persists to this day. The notion is wrong, as easily demonstrated in isothermal processes.

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

@dryeeseeks Thank you! Looking forward to the journey ahead.

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

The MWM Lab at Nanyang Technological University, is recruiting PhD students interested in topology-designed polymers: exploring how polymer structure and network architecture control mechanical performance, durability, and circularity (recyclable & biodegradable systems).

[Chenghai Li @ChenghaiLi3]

Our paper in celebration of Prof. Michael Rubinstein on his 70th birthday is online. Carbon black reinforced natural rubber is everywhere in daily life. Conventional high-intensity mixing processes cut long rubber chains and reduce the mechanical performance. Here, we demonstrate that preserving long rubber chains greatly amplifies toughness while maintaining modulus. Check out the paper for details. Great thanks to all coauthors! @MWM_Tan @XianyangB @GuodongNian @ykutsovsky @zhigangsuo

https://t.co/Nl4MV09Kp1

[Zhigang Suo @zhigangsuo]

Our long review article is online, at Chemical Reviews, titled, Thermodynamic and Molecular Origins of Crack Resistance in Polymer Networks. @ZheqiChen
https://t.co/Q8YqF9lRpY

[MWM_Tan @MWM_Tan]

📩 Interested candidates can email their CV to [email protected]