Direct-Ink-Writing of Conductive Viscoelastic Polymer Composites (CVPC)

The main objective of this work is to fundamentally understand the material-process-property relationships on a novel additive manufacturing method, namely Direct-Ink-Writing (DIW) that can be applied for fabricating conductive viscoelastic polymer composite (CVPC) structures with excellent mechanical and electrical properties. These polymer composites consist of conductive additives in micro/nano particle form which are suspended in a polymer matrix with viscoelastic property. The motivation behind these soft materials is that their physical (mechanical, thermal, electrical, etc.) properties along with viscoelastic properties of polymers can be tuned to achieve unique behaviors. This proposed work will focus on three types of conductive additives: graphene, room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) and room temperature liquid metal nanoparticles. It will not only cover different phases of materials, from solid state nanoparticle to liquid form, but also the use of metal nanoparticle highlight another innovative aspect of the proposed work. The main output of this work is to manufacture (CVPC) structures with leading levels of combined electrical conductivity and mechanical property comparable to bulk processing methods such as spin coating. These composite structures will make a highly transmutable impact in printed, flexible, wearable electronics and sensing technologies.

Direct Ink Writing of CVPC inks for Glucose Sensing

In this project, we are using additive manufacturing techniques for Glucose sensing. Conductive Carbon inks with the mediator are used to be direct-written in different geometries on tattoo papers to detect glucose on the human skin. We are investigating various processing and printing parameters to optimize sensing and improve performance. This is an interdisciplinary project with Collaborators in Material Science and Engineering at Washington State University.

RAS (Robotic Activity Support)

Current research has started as a part of Gerontechnology-Focused Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (GSUR) in Summer 2017. Our overall mission is to design a collaborative robotic, smart home technology to aid older adults with functional independence. Our proposed system is called RAS (Robotic Activity Support). My role is to design and assemble mechanical and structural parts for RAS. This is an interdisciplinary project with Collaborators in Computer Science department and Robotics club at Washington State University.

Direct-Ink Writing of microfluidic chip to study Capillary flow

The main goal of this project is to use Optical microangiography (OMAG) as a powerful optical angiographic tool to visualize micro-svascular flow in vivo. My role is to use micro additive manufacturing technique to design and fabricate microfluidic channels to mimic blood vessels. This is an interdisciplinary project with Collaborators in Bioengineering department at University of Washington.

Linking an Energy-Based Fatigue Life Prediction to Fracture Mechanics

There is a strong relationship between fracture mechanics and fatigue. Recently, an energy-based fatigue life prediction method has been studied as a method to quickly, but still accurately determine an SN curve for new materials. In the development of this energy-based fatigue life prediction theory, efforts have concentrated on monitoring stress/strain hysteresis loops only to make life predictions. Thus far, no attempts have been made to link knowledge of fracture mechanics to advances in the energy-based fatigue lifing theory. In this study, notched and unnotched AL6061-T6 flat specimens were fatigued with fatigue monitored by an extensometer. In order to prevent from buckling during hysteresis strain loops, R = ?0.5 stress ratio was used. In addition, efforts will concentrate in the low cycle fatigue (LCF) region to support future works on monitoring crack length in fracture mechanics investigation. The goal of this study is to understand how specimens behave in the context of the energy-based fatigue life theory when notches/cracks are present.