Dr. Qi’s Laboratory for Mechanics of Soft Active Polymers and 3D Printing is currently hiring for multiple graduate and postdoctoral positions! Please check the Positions page for more details regarding current openings.
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Current Research Areas
http://www.msm.gatech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/figure0_1.jpgOur lab is currently researching 4D printing, the fourth dimension being time. These active prints can deform to predetermined shapes or they can be programmed to take certain shapes. We have also developed a method for reusing thermosetting polymers and carbon fiber composites.
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Recycling of Vitrimer Epoxy
http://www.msm.gatech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/3D_Printing_Recycle.pngOur lab has developed a method to reuse vitrimer epoxies for 3D printing applications. It can be seen that even 3rd and 4th cycle polymers retain a high printability.
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3D Printed CNC and CNF
http://www.msm.gatech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/3DPrinting_paper.pngOur lab has designed a method to 3D print cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and cellulose nanofiber (CNF) structures using a direct ink write (DIW) method.
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Carbon Fiber Recycling
http://www.msm.gatech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/CFRP_recycling.pngOur group has developed a method to recycle carbon fiber composite structures. The method allows for the reuse of both the epoxy and the carbon fiber fabric.
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Photo Origami
http://www.msm.gatech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/PhotoOrigami.jpgA major focus in our group is the creation of structures that mimic the art of paper folding. Our methods allow us to print 2D shapes that will fold themselves into the desired 3D structures upon initiation by heat or liquid swelling.
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Efficient Epoxy Recycling
http://www.msm.gatech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Epoxy.jpgOur group has developed a method to recycle thermosetting polymers that retain their material properties and printability upon reuse.
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Flexible Motion Sensors
http://www.msm.gatech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/figure_sensor.pngOur group has developed flexible, stretchable finger rings with embedded conductive nanoparticle inks. Upon deformation, the conductive properties of the NP inks change, allowing for the detection of motion.
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Direct 4D Printing
http://www.msm.gatech.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/diect4DP.pngOur group's capabilities allow us to print multiple materials simultaneously, which allows us to selectively create inhomogeneities in our printed parts. These inhomogeneities allow for the rapid production of 4D printed parts that will morph upon stimulation.
