Dr. Alston’s work explores the fundamental aspects nanotextured surfaces and interfaces, and the engineering applications of those concepts in aerospace/propulsion systems. Current projects include the design and engineering of nanotextured surfaces infused with liquids and the formation of nanoparticles in emulsion systems, along with their interaction with flowing fluids.
Additionally, he is studying low density, high temperature stable nanomaterials like boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). This work involves the purification and manipulation of the surface of BNNTs to enable their integration with engineering polymer matrices and extreme environment, environments (high temperature and high pressure) relevant in aerospace and propulsion, composites.
His work with surfaces and nanostructures ranges from designing hierarchical (combined micro- and nano- scales) structures on metal substrates such as aluminum and stainless steel, to forming polymer nanoparticles through the manipulation of interfacial tension, to engineering the wettability engineering of surfaces directly exposed to rocket nozzle exhaust.