Project 11

Characterization and Application of Graphene-Enhanced Shape Memory Polymer Composites for 3D-Printed Strain Sensors and Wearable Electronics

(Prof. kunal kate, Mechanical Engineering)

This research project aims to explore and characterize a novel 3D-printed Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) composite enhanced with graphene for advanced electronic and sensing applications. The SMP composite, when loaded with graphene, is anticipated to exhibit unique electrical and mechanical properties that make it suitable for applications requiring remote actuation and self-sensing capabilities. The REU student will focus on a detailed characterization of this composite, examining its electronic properties, such as resistivity and gauge factor, which are critical for designing strain-sensitive devices. Using additive manufacturing techniques, the student will fabricate strain gauges from the SMP composite and measure their response rate and repeatability under various loading forces, assessing the material's stability and reliability as a sensor.

Beyond strain sensing, the student will investigate the material's potential in applications like radio frequency (RF) antennas, leveraging the electrical conductivity imparted by graphene. The project will also explore the shape memory effect in this composite, particularly how electrical current can be used to trigger shape recovery, thereby enabling remote actuation. This behavior is key for developing devices that can be activated wirelessly for applications in wearable electronics, robotics, and biomedical devices.

The broader impact of this research lies in advancing sustainable, versatile materials for next-generation sensors and actuators. By enabling multifunctional properties—such as strain sensitivity, wireless actuation, and RF capabilities—in a single 3D-printed SMP composite, this project contributes to the development of smart materials that could transform fields like healthcare, aerospace, and environmental monitoring.