Advanced Smart Biomaterials and Energy Research Group
PhD Candidate Merve UYAN's article: New Approach to Shape Memory Polymer Composite Production Using Alkaline Lignin-Reinforced Epoxy-Based Shape Memory Polymers
Could you explain how you approached the research topic within the scope of this publication?
I focused on my research on the use of bio-based materials in the production of shape memory polymer composite materials, as a result of my researches in the light of the studies I carried out on the production of biocomposite materials within the scope of my master's thesis. The positive results we obtained as a result of the tests applied to the biocomposites produced using alkali lignin, which is a biobased product, has been my biggest motivation to continue research on this subject. Fossil-based sources are used in both matrix and reinforcement phases in the production of shape memory polymer composite materials, which are in the smart materials class and have wide application areas such as biomedical, aerospace and robotics. My main motivation towards this research topic was to reduce the use of fossil-based resources by increasing the use of bio-based products in the production of SMPCs, which have a wide range of applications.
What was your hypothesis ?
Since I aimed to reduce the use of fossil-based resources in the production of shape memory polymer composite materials within the scope of my research location, I based my research hypothesis on the question of whether it is possible to produce shape memory polymer composite materials containing biobased products that can compete with shape memory polymer composites produced using fossil sourced products.
How do you evaluate the effects that your research has provided and/or will provide?
The results of my research have shown that the use of alkaline lignin in the production of shape memory polymer composite materials has positive effects on the thermo-mechanical and shape memory properties of the SMPCs produced, and it is possible to produce biobased SMPCs that can compete with SMPCs produced using synthetic products. It has been seen that SMPCs produced with the use of alkaline lignin have good shape recovery rate and thermo-mechanical properties, remote controllable smart materials, energy applications, and drug delivery systems. In this context, future studies on SMPC production using alkali lignin will pave the way for large-scale production and important steps can be taken to reduce the use of synthetic products in SMPC production.
What do you say you have achieved/reached within the scope of this research? What is the main output of the study?
Within the scope of this research study, shape memory polymer composite materials (SMPCs) were produced with the use of alkaline lignin, which was targeted in the research, and SMPCs with thermo-mechanical and shape memory properties that can compete with SMPCs produced using synthetic products were produced.
How long did this work take?
This study was completed in 2 years, including the experimental research process and experimental studies, following my knowledge in the field of chemical engineering and the experience I gained from my master's and doctoral thesis studies and research projects on the production of advanced and innovative bio-based products from biomass sources.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during the study and how did you cope?
The biggest challenge encountered in the study was the production of SMPC by preserving the homogeneity of the shape memory polymer mixture, which was prepared homogeneously and containing alkaline lignin, during SMPC production by hand lay-up on the vacuum infusion device. This problem was overcome by preserving the heat of the epoxy resin mixture, which was prepared homogeneously and at a certain temperature, during the production of SMPC by hand lay-up method, after the trials made as a result of the literature research.
How do you think your work contributes to sustainable development goals?
It has been demonstrated that it is possible to produce SMPCs, which are in the class of smart materials, with both an environmentally and an economical approach, by reducing the use of synthetic products in the production of SMPC with the use of alkaline lignin in this study. Additionally, the use of alkaline lignin, which is a sustainable and low-cost biobased product, in SMPC production has guided the studies on SMPC production by using biobased products in SMPCs. In this context, it is thought that the study contributes to the goal number 7 (accessible and clean energy) and the goal number 12 ( responsible consumption and production) one of the sustainable development goals.
How will your curiosity in this research shape your research career?
The results I obtained within the scope of this research provided motivation for me to conduct research on the usability of biobased SMPCs produced with different production techniques in specific application areas and to continue my career by focusing on the use of biobased SMPCs in different application areas.
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What are the most exciting possibilities in your research field?
In recent years, the increase in the use of advanced and innovative systems that can be remotely controlled has provided the motivation for the production of SMPCs that can serve this field. The use of bio-based products in the production of SMPCs, one of these smart materials, and the exciting potential applications of SMPCs, such as remotely controlled robotic applications, drug delivery systems, constitute my biggest motivation for my research in this field.
