News & Events

3D Printing of Functional and Responsive Nanomaterial-Polymer Composites

Date: 
Thursday, January 27, 2022 - 14:00 to 15:00
Speaker: 
Prof. Anastasia Elias
Affiliation: 
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta
Event Category: 
Special Seminar
Host: 
Mark MacLachlan
Location: 
Connect via Zoom

Zoom link: https://ubc.zoom.us/j/68850128083?pwd=bEg4MTdGcDBXbkk2UGxXdDZ4STA2QT09

Advances in materials has enabled the large-scale deployment of sensors for applications including internet of things (IoT), human health monitoring, and environmental detection. Stimuli-responsive materials – which can detect and adapt to changes in their environment are of particular interest for sensing applications. One approach to preparing materials which exhibit numerous distinctive and specialized properties is through the use of composites, in which the matrix and filler each fulfill very different roles. Electronic functions – including electronic conductivity or capacitance – may be introduced into a polymer through the introduction of a suitable filler. Nanomaterial-based fillers are particularly attractive as even a small (few %) weight fraction of filler can dramatically impact the properties of the polymer matrix. In this presentation I will describe my group’s efforts to develop polymer-nanomaterial composites that are responsive to both chemical and physical stimuli, with a focus on materials which can easily be utilized for the manufacturing of sensors using 2D and 3D printing techniques.