UROP Project

Bioinspired Bouligand Composites from Electrospun Nanofiber Networks

Bouligand structure; electrospinning; nanofiber composites; bioinspired materials; hierarchical composites; damage resistance; mechanical properties

Research Mentor: Jizhe Cai,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida A&M University, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: jcai@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Project Location: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

• Day: Friday, September 4
  Start Time: 1:00
  End Time: 2:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/93190064189

Project Description

This project aims to develop bioinspired Bouligand composites using electrospun nanofiber mats as reinforcing layers. Aligned nanofiber mats will be fabricated and stacked with controlled rotation angles between adjacent layers to create helicoidal architectures inspired by natural impact-resistant materials. The student will investigate how nanofiber alignment and interlayer rotation affect the mechanical properties and damage resistance of the composites. Mechanical testing and microscopy will be used to evaluate stiffness, strength, toughness, and failure mechanisms. The project will provide hands-on experience in electrospinning, composite fabrication, mechanical characterization, and bioinspired materials design.

Research Tasks: Conduct a literature review on Bouligand structures, bioinspired composites, and electrospun nanofiber reinforcement.
Fabricate aligned electrospun nanofiber mats with controlled fiber orientation.
Assemble nanofiber layers at different rotation angles to create Bouligand/helicoidal architectures.
Fabricate nanofiber-reinforced polymer composites through stacking and matrix infiltration.
Perform mechanical testing to evaluate stiffness, strength, toughness, and damage resistance.
Characterize fiber alignment, composite microstructure, and failure mechanisms using optical microscopy and/or SEM.
Analyze experimental data to determine the relationship between Bouligand architecture and mechanical performance.
Prepare research presentations and a final report summarizing the results.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Basic laboratory skills — Required
Ability to follow experimental procedures and laboratory safety guidelines — Required
Prior experience with materials testing or mechanical testing — Recommended
Familiarity with polymers, composites, or materials science — Recommended
Good communication, documentation, and teamwork skills — Required