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222
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Bio-inspired manufacturing research aims at providing economic benefits and energy savings with minimal environmental impacts. In this talk, I will present our efforts using frontal polymerization (FP) for space and terrestrial morphogenic manufacturing. FP uses a stiff and tough thermosetting polymer capable of energy-efficient “self-propagation and self-curing”.
In space, I will describe our progress towards “Mission Illinois”: the first on-orbit carbon fiber composite manufacturing space experiment planned for launch in 2026. This mission will enable the manufacturing of extremely large, mass-efficient, and precise structures on-orbit.
Next, I will describe growth printing, an additive manufacturing (AM) process harnessing this spatially propagating FP reaction to produce 3D polymer parts 1000 times faster and twice as energy efficient than the faster stereolithography. In contrast with existing 3D printing, this morphogenic process is inspired by biological “growth and form” due to the self-directed propagation of the polymerization reaction. I will describe experiments and modeling to enable the potential use of this disruptive technology.