Innovation at work: ASU students conduct impactful research in armor coatings, additive manufacturing and rehabilitation

I wanted to work on an engineering project outside of class, and the different engineering research projects that professors at ASU were working on got me interested in FURI.

Why did you choose the project you’re working on?

I chose to work with Dr. Peralta on a research project involving polyurea because of the many applications that an armor coating material can have to improve the design integrity for anything from aerospace applications to defense and more.

How will your research project impact the world?

Developing polyurea into an armor coating that can protect a system in an environment where shock loading (when a sudden force is applied) may be present can not only improve countless applications but can also save lives. As an aerospace engineering major, one of the potential applications I’ve thought about is utilizing this coating to protect manned spacecraft against space debris in orbit. Upon impact from a projectile in space, if the polyurea armor coating could prevent breakthrough — a situation where depressurization is likely — only deformation would occur, saving lives.  

What has been your most memorable experience as a student researcher in FURI?

My most memorable experience as s student researcher is speaking with Dr. Peralta and Tyler Eastmond, a doctoral student in Dr. Peralta’s research group, about all the intricate steps involved to use x-ray scattering to view how the polyurea is responding to stress at the atomic level. These conversations made me realize the complexity and level of detail that goes into acquiring this material data, and I found it to be quite fascinating.

How do you see this experience helping with your career goals?

I believe that the engineering design experience I’m acquiring from working on this project will allow me to showcase some of the work I am doing outside of class. I think this will help with job applications, and it will help me if I decide to pursue an advanced degree after my undergraduate education as well.

Why should other students get involved in FURI?

The FURI program is a great way for students to acquire some real-world engineering design experience outside of class while earning their degree. It’s a great way to build your resume and expose yourself to the research and development side of engineering. 

Learn more about Jake Trenter’s Spring 2022 FURI project.

What made you want to get involved in FURI? Why did you choose the project you’re working on?

I joined FURI to further enhance my research curriculum while representing holistic development in diversity. My motivation for this project came from previously working with the Summer Research Internship program where I developed conventional solid-state electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. However, the process required multiple steps, and the design was constrained to basic geometries and random porosities. This led me to switch from the conventional method of cold pressing pellets to additive manufacturing methods, which are more effective.

How will your research project impact the world?

My project focuses on creating a safer battery via 3D printing. Researchers in this field know that the propagation of dendrites (branching crystalline structures) is one of the main problems that lithium-ion batteries face. Oftentimes, dendrite penetration leads to batteries degrading or internally becoming explosive. Therefore, by studying the effects of different hierarchies designs via 3D printing can help mechanically suppress dendrite propagation. This in effect will lead to a more sustainable and degradable battery with high safety characteristics. Furthermore, by validating its higher safety factor, the promotion from bridge lab production to industrial commercialization will have a higher impact on the battery world.

Have there been any surprises in your research?

3D printing ceramic-based resins is a challenge due to their higher viscosity, brittleness and higher temperature. Furthermore, the connection between powder and slurry for printing was a challenge. I knew that the community of ceramic 3D printing is relatively new as compared to polymers or metals. However, through substantial reading and research, I learned that introducing binders and polymers into the ceramic powders change the powders into a slurry consistency. The amounts of binders introduced had a direct effect on the printability giving a higher self-supporting ink. With this in mind, I worked with other lab mates to tweak the direct ink writing machine where the nozzle would not get clogged and a smooth ink was produced.

What has been your most memorable experience as a FURI student researcher?

As a student researcher, the most memorable experience was being able to go to the Spring 2022 American Chemical Society meeting with all of my lab mates and share our results, learn from leading researchers on state-of-the-art projects and support one another on our symposium presentations. We also did multiple team-building activities and learned a lot from one another.

How do you see this experience helping with your advanced degree goals?

My “aha!” moment during this project was realizing that I want to continue my graduate school studies and keep cherishing memorable moments such the ones at the American Chemical Society meeting.

As I pursue a doctoral degree, FURI has allowed me to connect with many faculty members and learn from them. I have come to the realization that I want to be someone who promotes the holistic development of minorities. My end goal is to continue to develop groundbreaking technologies where the diversity of color, culture, background and many other factors does not matter, but the harmonious goal to positively impact our society and play a major role in the world do matter.

What is the best advice you’ve gotten from your faculty mentor?

Keep a humble heart and cherish the relationships you have built.

Why should other students get involved in FURI?

It is a great opportunity to learn about groundbreaking technologies and be part of a greater cause. Being able to get hands-on research experience is tremendously valuable — theories learned in classrooms are applied and the connection between theory and reality give any student a deeper, more intimate understanding. I’m also looking forward to joining the Master’s Opportunity for Research and Engineering program next semester.

Learn more about Nathan Fonseca’s Spring 2022 FURI project.