Research
Smart Polymers and 4D Printing
Smart polymers and 4D printing are among our focus areas. We are developing responsive polymers and exploring additive manufacturing methods for creating complex geometries with smart polymers. Our work extends to 3D-printed soft actuators and energy harvesters. The scope of 3D printing for customization and free-form fabrication has sparked interest in energy harvesting for 3D-printed wearable devices. Additionally, the use of 3D-printed smart materials for actuation could open new possibilities in robotics and prosthetics. Our research specifically concentrates on the 3D printing of piezoelectric and flexoelectric materials and their diverse applications. Learn more.
Printed Electronics
We are working on the system and material development for 3D printing sensors, actuators, batteries, and electrodes. Our goal is to develop 3D printing solutions for fabricating polymer-based flexible electronics. Standard electronics come with predefined geometries, mechanical properties, and sensitive ranges. Commercial 3D printers generally do not support functional polymers for electronics and, more importantly, customization in materials to vary the specifications. We are working to address these limitations. Learn more.
3D Bioprinting
We are conducting research on 3D printing systems and materials for various biomedical applications. 3D printing of biomaterials and cells can enable the fabrication of artificial organs, functional tissue constructs, and regenerative medicines with complex geometry. When it comes to biosensors, the scope for customization is limited both in materials and fabrication processes. We are building systems to 3D print functional structures for biomedical applications. Learn more.
Advanced Additive Manufacturing
We are working on advanced printing processes such as nonplanar 3D printing of functional polymers. Conventional AM processes may prove inadequate for printing curved structures, as the conventional approach of generating print paths solely in a horizontal plane can lead to issues such as inaccuracies and disconnections in the printed components. Advanced applications of functional polymer printing could derive advantages from curvature-dependent nonplanar print paths. Learn more.