PhD student Jiaxin Xi is awarded for new innovations in smart materials

Jiaxin Xi, a PhD Student working in the Multiphysics Intelligent and Dynamical Systems Lab of Shima Shahab, was awarded third place at the the 33rd International Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies competition for her poster presentation on "Focused Ultrasound Actuated Shape Memory Polymers for Biomedical Devices.”

Shape memory polymers are made of material that may twist or warp when acted on by an outside force, but returns to its original shape when that force is removed. In the case of this project, that outside force is ultrasound waves, which are outside the frequencies humans can hear. The waves can also travel through the human body, and shape memory can be applied to medical devices. Pairing the two technologies, the possibilities are vast for a host of new medical devices. A shape memory device might contain a drug, and ultrasound could open the container to release it.

Xi’s progress in this project includes the use of tiny fibers. With an appearance similar to cotton candy, the fibers could have medical applications where larger devices might be impossible.

The project also includes a study of how water affects these shape memory polymers. Since the human body is more than half water, understanding that interaction is crucial. Xi found that the plastics actually work better when they soak up water, and having the right balance of water helps them work better in applications.

This work is an extension of Shahab’s research in the field, for which she has received multiple awards including NSF EAGER funding. Xi came to Shahab’s lab following the passing of Reza Mirzaeifar, her original research mentor. Shahab and other colleagues welcomed Mirzaeifar’s students into their research groups to allow the continuation of both Mirzaeirar’s research and the students’ education.