Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas is an esteemed academic and researcher specializing in chemical engineering, polymer science, and soft matter physics. He has contributed extensively to the fields of thermodynamics, molecular simulations, and the rheology of complex fluids. With decades of teaching, research, and leadership experience, he has held positions at leading institutions, including the University of Patras and ETH Zürich. His work bridges fundamental theory and practical applications, influencing advancements in polymer modeling, nanostructured materials, and atmospheric aerosol studies. A dedicated mentor and editor, he continues to shape the global scientific community through his research, publications, and professional service.
University of Patras | Greece
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Education
Prof. Mavrantzas earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware, USA. His dissertation, “Surface effects on the conformation and rheology of polymer solutions”, was supervised by Prof. A.N. Beris, with a minor in Mathematics and Physics. He also holds a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Greece, where he graduated top 1% of his class.
Academic Interests
Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas has a deep academic focus spanning Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Statistical Thermodynamics, and Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics. His expertise also extends to Statistical Mechanics and Molecular Simulations, along with significant work on the Dynamics and Rheology of micro-structured fluids. Additionally, he has applied Finite-Element and Spectral-Element Numerical Methods to address complex problems in chemical engineering science.
Research Interests
His research is centered on modeling and simulation of polymers and soft nanostructured polymeric materials across multiple time and length scales—from atomistic to macroscopic. He specializes in multiscale modeling of chain dynamics and rheology as a function of molecular architecture (linear, branched, rings) and polymer behavior at interfaces such as adhesion, self-assembly, and dynamics in confined geometries. Prof. Mavrantzas has contributed extensively to the thermodynamics of complex fluids under non-equilibrium conditions, constitutive modeling of polymer viscoelasticity, and molecular modeling of the phase state of atmospheric organic aerosol particles. His work also extends into Quantum Field Theory applications in material science.
Professional Experience
Over the years, Prof. Mavrantzas has held distinguished academic and research positions. He has served as Dozent-Lecturer and Guest Professor at ETH Zürich, collaborating with renowned scientists such as Prof. S.E. Pratsinis and Prof. Hans Christian Öttinger. He has been a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Patras, following his tenure as Associate Professor. His earlier career includes roles as Researcher B’ and C’ at FORTH-ICE/HT, Post-Doctoral Research Assistant at the University of Patras, and Ph.D. Research Assistant at the University of Delaware.
Distinctions & Awards
Prof. Mavrantzas is Section Editor-in-Chief for Polymer Physics in Polymers (MDPI) and Associate Editor for Soft Matter Physics in Frontiers in Physics. He serves on the International Advisory Board of Macromolecular Theory and Simulation. His students have won numerous Best Poster and Best Oral Presentation Awards at leading conferences. Personally, he has received the Allan P. Colburn Prize for his Ph.D. dissertation, multiple Excellence Awards from NTUA, and a Competitive Fellowship from the University of Delaware.
Professional Affiliations
He is an active member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), American Physical Society (APS), Society of Rheology (SOR), and the Polymer Processing Society (PPS). He is also affiliated with the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) and has served as President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Hellenic Society of Rheology (HSR).
Administrative Roles
In addition to his research and teaching, Prof. Mavrantzas has contributed to academic administration as Director of the Inter-department Programme of Graduate Studies in Polymer Science and Technology at the University of Patras and in various leadership positions at the HSR. His leadership has helped shape graduate education and research in polymer science across Greece and internationally.
Notable Publications
End-bridging Monte Carlo: A fast algorithm for atomistic simulation of condensed phases of long polymer chains
Authors: Vlasis G. Mavrantzas, Travis D. Boone, Evangelia Zervopoulou, Doros N. Theodorou
Journal: Macromolecules
Year: 1999
A novel Monte Carlo scheme for the rapid equilibration of atomistic model polymer systems of precisely defined molecular architecture
Authors: Nikos Ch. Karayiannis, Vlasis G. Mavrantzas, Doros N. Theodorou
Journal: Physical Review Letters
Year: 2002
Crossover from the Rouse to the entangled polymer melt regime: signals from long, detailed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, supported by rheological experiments
Authors: V.A. Harmandaris, V.G. Mavrantzas, D.N. Theodorou, Martin Kröger, J. Ramirez, Hans Christian Öttinger, D. Vlassopoulos
Journal: Macromolecules
Year: 2003
Atomistic molecular dynamics simulation of polydisperse linear polyethylene melts
Authors: Vagelis A. Harmandaris, Vlasis G. Mavrantzas, Doros N. Theodorou
Journal: Macromolecules
Year: 1998
Detailed atomistic simulation of a polymer melt/solid interface: structure, density, and conformation of a thin film of polyethylene melt adsorbed on graphite
Authors: Kostas Ch. Daoulas, Vagelis A. Harmandaris, Vlasis G. Mavrantzas
Journal: Macromolecules
Year: 2005
Molecular dynamics simulation of a polymer melt/solid interface: Local dynamics and chain mobility in a thin film of polyethylene melt adsorbed on graphite
Authors: Vagelis A. Harmandaris, Kostas Ch. Daoulas, Vlasis G. Mavrantzas
Journal: Macromolecules
Year: 2005
Conclusion
Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas stands as a prominent figure in chemical engineering and polymer science, combining theoretical depth, computational mastery, and experimental collaboration. His career reflects a dedication to advancing knowledge in complex fluids, molecular simulations, and soft matter physics. Through his teaching, editorial work, and leadership roles, he has influenced both academic research and industrial applications. His recognition through awards, editorial positions, and conference contributions underscores his impact in the scientific community. Continually pushing the boundaries of his field, he remains committed to fostering innovation, mentoring emerging researchers, and contributing to the development of advanced materials and sustainable technologies.