Abstract
Materials in nature exhibit heterogeneous architectures that are tuned to fulfill the functional demands as well as carry loads. Examples range from the cellulose-based organic structure of plants to highly mineralized skeletal parts like bone. Because they are often utilized to combine opposing properties such as strength and low-density, the heterogeneous architecture of natural materials can potentially address several of the technical limitations of artificial composites. However, current man-made manufacturing technologies do not allow for the level of composition and fiber orientation control found in natural materials. In this talk, I will show that additive manufacturing (AM) can offer an exciting new pathway for the fabrication of living materials where their growth determines the architecture. Proof-of-principle examples will be presented to illustrate the potential of these new materials that capture some of the capabilities found in living organisms.
Brief Bio
Dr. Kunal Masania is an Associate Professor in Bio-inspired Matter at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. Kunal carried out his PhD at Imperial College London on size effects and nanoscale toughening of thermosetting polymers. At the University of Applied Sciences of Northwestern (FHNW) Switzerland he developed a variety of advanced processing approaches for natural-fibre thermoplastic composites. Then Kunal joined ETH Zürich, to develop new bio-inspired materials and additive manufacturing technologies. His group at TU Delft aim to develop materials and structures that behave like living organisms. Having co-founded two startups, he very much likes to push breakthrough science to applications that can impact society.