RESEARCH focus
OVERVIEW
Here at our research team, we are dedicated to pioneering the development of next-generation polymeric materials and systems that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our commitment to innovation, with multi-scale design and precision processing of micro/nanoscale structures, drives us to explore uncharted territories, striving to produce polymeric materials and systems that redefine industries and open up exciting possibilities for the future.
Representative papers:
Science (in press, 2024), Phys. Rev. Lett (2019), ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces (2017), Adv. Mater. Technol. (2019), Smart Mater. Struct. (2020)
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 (iv) 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. Micro/nanopatterns
Drawing inspirations 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) our group develop reshapes 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. 1. 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.
2. Foams
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, electromagnetic shielding, packaging, and tissue engineering. Drawing upon the multifaceted capabilities of functional polymer foams, 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. 2. 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].
3. Composites
Processing of polymer composites embedded with micro-/nanosized particles or fibers is at the forefront of modern manufacturing, enabling drastic improvement of material properties for extreme environment applications. This interdisciplinary field employs cutting-edge techniques to precisely manipulate the chemical composition and structure of polymers and particles/fibers. From injection molding, extrusion, to resin transfer molding, these methods play a pivotal role in tailoring mechanical, thermal, optical, and electrical properties. As industries demand advanced materials, we develop advanced design and processing technologies that stands as a key driver, offering innovative solutions and shaping the future of materials engineering.
- Publications: Smart Mater. Struct. (2020), Appl. Energy (2022), Energy Convers. Manag. (2022), Macromol. Res. (2020), Macromol. Res. (2019), Fibers Polym. (2019)
Fig. 3. Processing ceramic-like 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.
4. 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. 4. 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.
5. Hydrogels
Polymer hydrogels, crucial in biotechnology and diverse biomedical applications, exhibit remarkable characteristics including high water content, adjustable mechanical/electrical/transport properties, biocompatibility, and the capacity to emulate the natural extracellular matrix. These features make them ideal for a myriad of applications such as bioimaging, tissue engineering, and wound healing. With their versatility and unique attributes, our group leverage the power of polymer hydrogels, which stand as pivotal materials shaping advancements in biotechnological fields.
- Publications: Science (in press, 2024), Sci. Adv. (2021), IEEE HPEC (2022)
Fig. 5. 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.