Research
The main research objectives of the SHAP3D Center at UConn include:
- Additive manufacturing of soft materials and integration with metallic and/or ceramic materials.
- Flexible hybrid electronics.
- Multifunctional composites for aerospace and biological applications.
- Scalable nano-manufacturing.
These objectives will be further supported by interdisciplinary faculty teams with deep knowledge in materials science, machinery, computations and simulations, big data processing, and machine learning. Of particular focus is multi-material 3D printing, which further enables the synergistic use of polymers and non-polymers in ways that best suit a specific application, maximizing the broader impact.
To support these objectives, each University brings a diverse collection of expertise to the Center. UConn is focused on multifunctional polymer composites, bioprinting, automation, and integrating polymers with non-polymers. Georgia Tech’s expertise lies in the areas of 3D/4D printing of functional devices, functional polymers, printed electronics for sensors, actuators and the internet of things and hybrid 3D printing. UMass Lowell is exploring new polymers/composites, polymer processing, process-property modeling and nano/micro/reactive additives.
