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OVERVIEW
Here at our research team, we are dedicated to pioneering the development of design and processing technology for next-generation polymeric materials and systems that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our commitment to innovation, with multi-scale precision engineering of micro/nanoscale structures with polymers, drives us to explore uncharted territories, striving to produce novel polymeric materials and systems that redefine industries and open up exciting possibilities for the future.
Representative papers:
Science (2024), Adv. Funct. Mater. (2025), Compos. Sci. Technol. (2025), Phys. Rev. Lett (2019), Adv. Mater. Technol. (2019)
RESEARCH STRATEGY
We employ multidisciplinary, multi-scale approach to engineer novel polymeric materials and systems. Drawing upon the foundational elements of modern engineering, chemistry, physics, biomedicine, and computational science, we blend these disciplines seamlessly. This fusion of knowledge is then channeled into a systematic pipeline where it undergoes meticulous materials processing, guided by studying (i) monomer design, (ii) chemical interaction, (iii) polymer network/rheology, (iv) structural modeling/engineering, and (v) precision polymer processing. The outcome is the development of next-generation polymeric materials and systems, featuring innovations such as micro/nanopatterned surfaces, foams, composites, metamaterials, and hydrogels. Ultimately, a myriad of potential applications for leading the 4th industrial revolution spans across aerospace/future mobility, robotics, biotechnology, energy, green technology, construction, semiconductors, and more.
RESEARCH TOPICS
Our research interests include but are not limited to;
1. High-Performance Polymer Composites
Processing of polymer composites embedded with micro- and nanoscale particles or fibers is advancing modern manufacturing by enabling tailored mechanical, thermal, optical, and electrical properties for demanding environments. Processing techniques combined with molecular-level interface engineering, allow precise tuning of composition and multiscale structure. These approaches support practical applications ranging from high-performance thermal interface adhesives and humanoid robotic components to flexible sensors and next-generation energy devices. As application needs continue to diversify, our work focuses on developing scalable design and processing strategies that drive the evolution of high-functionality polymer composite materials.
- Publications: Compos. Sci. Technol. (2025), Smart Mater. Struct. (2020), Appl. Energy (2022), Energy Convers. Manag. (2022), Macromol. Res. (2020), Macromol. Res. (2019), Fibers Polym. (2019)
Fig. 1. Processing high-performance polymer composites. (A) Schematic drawing and photo of injection molding machine [link]. (B) Pelletized polymers and micro/nanosized particles to reinforce matrix. (C) Rheological characterization of polymer and composite resins to optimize processing condition. (D) Injected molded parts. (E) Numerical investigation of the molded parts.
2. Functional Hydrogels
Polymer hydrogels are emerging as versatile soft materials. Their high water content, tunable mechanical, electrical, and transport properties, biocompatibility, and ability to replicate extracellular matrix–like environments make them suitable for tissue engineering, soft robotics, flexible sensing, and energy-related systems. By engineering and processing hydrogels across multiple length scales, we harness this adaptability to create functionally programmed architectures. Through this approach, our group explores polymer hydrogels as key enabling materials driving innovation across biological, technological, and multifunctional engineering domains.
- Publications: Science (2024), Adv. Funct. Mater. (2025), Nat. Biotechnol. (2025), Sci. Adv. (2021), IEEE HPEC (2022)
Fig. 2. Polymer hydrogels for tissue processing and bioimaging. (A) Scalable tissue processing technology to transform intact coronal human brain slab. (B) Schematic drawing of molecular mechanism of polymer hydrogel/tissue composite. (C) Engineering human brain tissue into an elastic, expandable, and transparent biomaterial. (D) 3D multiplexed imaging of the human brain cortical tissues.
Movie; Juhyuk's BRIC talk.: Polymer-based tissue processing platform for human brain mapping.
3. Precision Micro/nanopattern Engineering
Drawing inspiration from nature’s hierarchical designs, biomimetic engineering seeks to harness the unique physicochemical properties from the living world. The efficacy of these micro/nanopatterns is influenced by factors like their polymer composition, surface chemistry, topology, and size. The gadgets and devices with smart polymeric patterns (e.g., shape-memory polymers) that our group develops reshape various industries by providing innovative solutions for diverse fields such as optics, electronics, biomedicine and others promising breakthroughs in miniaturization, sensing, and tailored material functionalities.
- Publications: ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces (2017), J. Mater. Chem. C (2017), Lab Chip (2018), Smart Mater. Struct. (2017)
Fig. 3. Smart polymeric nanopattern arrays for optoelectric applications. (A) Chemical design and synthesis of shape-memory polymers. (B) Precision, cost-efficient processing of polymeric nanopattern arrays. (C) Observation of shape-memory and recovery behavior of polymeric nanopatterns. (D) Application of the smart nanopatterns for sustainable impedance matching.
4. Green Foams with Tailored Microcellular Structure
Polymeric foams endowed with tailored functionalities transcend traditional material limitations. With the ability to combine lightweight cellular micro/nanostructures with specific properties, they find applications in diverse fields, such as sound absorption, thermal insulation, and electromagnetic shielding. In parallel, growing emphasis on sustainability drives the integration of bio-based polymers, recyclable chemistries, and environmentally responsible processing routes into foam design and manufacturing. Drawing upon the multifaceted capabilities, we propel progress in various industrial domains, tackling intricate challenges across sectors including automotive, electronics, household appliances, and construction.
- Publications: Adv. Mater. Technol. (2019), J. Sound Vib. (2017 #1), J. Sound Vib. (2017 #2), Mater. Des. (2018)
Fig. 4. Strategic design and fabrication of microcellular polymer foams. (A) Modelling microstructure of cellular foams. (B) Numerical simulation of structure-driven physics. (C) Advanced processing technologies to control microcellular structures. (D) Modulated micromorphology based on chemorheological alteration. (E) Industrial application fields of polymer foams [Link1] [Link2].
5. Micro/Nanoarchitected Polymeric Metamaterials
Metamaterials are designed with unique micro/nanostructures that enable unprecedented control over effective medium properties, paving the way to control various mechanics in unprecedented manner. By harnessing the power of metamaterials, we can manipulate mechanical waves, heat transfer, viscous forces, and other dynamic behaviors with precision and efficiency. Our group is, in conjunction with the modern polymer engineering, unlocking realms of human imagination using novel metamaterials, exemplified by innovations like cloaking technology.
- Publications: Phys. Rev. Lett (2019), Phys. Rev. Appl. (2019), Extreme Mech. Lett. (2020), Extreme Mech. Lett. (2021), J. Fluids Struct. (2020)
Fig. 5. Microstructured metamaterial for fluid mechanics control. (A) Schematic drawing of flow variations depending on the presence of the metamaterials. (B) Design and fabrication of polymeric metamaterial microstructure. (C) Computational simulations and experimental implementation of the fluid flow with and without the metamaterial.
6. Nanoporous Polymeric Membranes
Optimizing the structure and properties of polymer nanofibers and applying chemical modification, high-performance membranes are designed for applications such as actuators, fuel cell membranes, adsorbents, and filters. These engineered materials exhibit excellent mechanical strength, high surface area, and tunable chemical functionality, making them ideal for demanding operational environments. By leveraging their adaptability and multi-functional performance, our research group develops next-generation polymer-based systems that address critical challenges in energy, environmental, and biomedical technologies.
- Publications: in preparation
Fig. 6. Polymer nanofiber-based membrane processing. (A) Fabrication methods of nanofiber-based composite membranes. (B) Applications : polymer electrolyte membranes for batteries and air purification systems.
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