Research
Biological composite materials exhibit intricate hierarchical structures optimized for multifunctionality, leveraging natural interfaces to enhance mechanical performance and reduce stress concentrations through gradual transitions and interlocking. Informed by an interdisciplinary approach, my work explores these materials, elucidating how their structure, properties, and functionality interact across various length scales. I design bioinspired structures to understand nature's strategies for overcoming external stresses by modifying structural organizations. My research focuses on fundamental principles demonstrating how composite materials achieve optimal mechanical properties through multiscale reinforcement, architectures, and interface tuning—features seen in natural systems.
A significant pillar of my research is developing sustainable multifunctional biocomposite materials from photosynthetic microorganisms. By harnessing the capabilities of microalgae, I aim to create hierarchical biocomposites that are environmentally friendly and exhibit unique properties such as enhanced strength, stiffness, and thermal insulation. These sustainable biocomposites have the potential to revolutionize engineering applications by offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials, reducing the carbon footprint, and promoting renewable resources. This research integrates biology, materials science, and environmental engineering to address key challenges in sustainability and material innovation.
Hierarchical structural analysis of biological composite materials
Hard biological materials, such as bone and arthropod exoskeletons, are exemplary composite structures composed of hierarchically organized constituents. Elucidating the structural organization of these hierarchical biological materials delves into understanding the complex, multi-scale architecture of natural substances. By employing advanced techniques like electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and tomography, and atomic force microscopy, I aim to unravel how these materials achieve their remarkable mechanical properties, such as strength, toughness, and lightweight performance.
Multiscale mechanical properties of structural biological systems
Research on the multiscale mechanical properties of biological composite materials focuses on how these materials perform under various stresses across different structural levels. By studying systems like the scorpion pincer exoskeleton, I use techniques such as nanoindentation, 3-point bending, and analytical modeling to investigate how nano, micro, and macro scale properties interact. This research reveals how hierarchical structuring imparts exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and impact resistance. Insights from this work deepen our understanding of natural materials and guide the design of advanced synthetic composites.
Hierarchical bioinspired structures
Research on bioinspired structural materials using 3D printing and two-photon lithography explores innovative approaches to mimic and enhance natural material properties at different length scales. By leveraging these advanced synthesis techniques, I aim to replicate intricate hierarchical structures found in biological materials such as bones and exoskeletons. This research aims to achieve precise control over material composition and structure across various length scales, facilitating the development of lightweight yet strong structures with tailored mechanical properties.
Interface tuning in composites
Research in interface tuning in composites, particularly through surface functionalization, explores how modifying interfaces enhances material properties, drawing inspiration from biological composites. By optimizing the interface between different phases, I aim to improve adhesion and mechanical strength. This approach mirrors strategies found in biological composites like in bone, where interfaces between components are crucial for achieving exceptional mechanical properties through effective stress transfer. Surface functionalization techniques enable precise control over interface interactions, influencing properties such as toughness and resilience.
Hierarchical biocomposite materials from photosynthetic microorganisms and biomass
The depletion of fossil fuel reserves and environmental degradation from water, soil, and air pollution have rendered the current framework of raw material extraction and disposal unsustainable, exacerbating industrial and environmental challenges. In this research, I explored using Chlorella vulgaris microalgae as a matrix in biocomposite materials to address these issues. A primary focus of this study is to elucidate the effects of microstructure, synthesis methods, and reinforcement concentration on the mechanical properties of these printed materials. Our investigation also aimed to enhance multifunctionality by assessing how these biocomposites perform as insulators under varying environmental conditions.