Speaker: Ravi Tutika, Ph.D. Student in Materials Science and Engineering at Iowa State University
Title: Soft Multifunctional Composites Enabled by Liquid Metal Microstructure
Abstract: Soft, stretchable materials with multifunctional properties are critical for advanced applications in flexible electronics, soft robotics, and human-machine interaction. However, traditional rigid electronics and components are inextensible while soft polymers typically lack functionality. My work aims to introduce soft yet functional materials to enable new generations of human-compatible electronics and machines. I design materials systems with multifunctional capabilities, such as elastomeric polymers with high stretchability coupled with liquid metal (a eutectic alloy of gallium and indium) for metal-like thermal and electrical properties. We develop fabrication approaches to control liquid metal particle size, shape, and distribution and create soft materials with unique thermal-mechanical combinations, highlighted by a liquid metal composite with an unprecedented thermal conductivity of 11.0 ± 0.5 W · m-1· K-1 under strain. We leverage the electrical sensitivity of the system for structural health monitoring. These systems can enable diverse applications from all-soft-matter components and devices for stretchable electronics to soft electronic skins for multi-site damage detection.
Bio: Ravi Tutika is a PhD student working with Professor Michael Bartlett in Materials Science and Engineering at Iowa State University. His research focuses on multifunctional material systems that enable soft matter technology for applications in stretchable electronics and human-machine interaction. He received his B.Tech in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, India in 2015. He worked as a Corrosion and Inspection Engineer at Reliance Industries before joining Iowa State in 2016. His research has resulted in publications, media coverage, and awards including the Research Excellence award from Iowa State University and the Peebles Award from the Adhesion Society.
Seminar Host: Kaitlin Bratlie