ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 I am very grateful to Dr. Bhavani V. Sankar for providing me the opportunity to

complete my Ph.D. studies under his exceptional guidance and financial support. He is

not only my academic advisor but also he had a great influence in my life. Throughout

this research, I have greatly appreciated his consistent encouragement, patience and

positive attitude.

 Many thanks should go to my colleagues in the composite materials laboratory. We

shared many great unforgettable memories and moments. I thank to Sujith Kalarikkal

who help me to complete the permeability test. Moreover, I would like to thank my

Korean friends, Taeyoung Kim, Jongyoon Ok, Chungsoo Ha, Wonjong Noh, Seawoong

Jung, Sunjae Lee and Dongki Won, who provided me invaluable academic feedback,

encouragement and companionship. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to

my parents for continuous support and love. I would like to thank to my wife Jeesoo Lee

and my unborn child. I am also thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to succeed

at the University of Florida.