Research

The Sarmah Group focuses on the sustainable processing of advanced materials, integrating chemistry, mechanics, and manufacturing science. Our research aims to develop materials and processes that are energy-efficient, recyclable, and adaptable. Polymer science, composite processing, additive manufacturing, and bio-inspired design are some specific topics that our lab investigates. At its core, this work advances the role of chemical engineering in shaping sustainable materials for the future. 

Covalent Adaptable Networks: Kinetics and Mechanics

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are materials that are strong yet capable of dynamic reconfiguration. By investigating how bond exchange kinetics influence mechanical properties, we link molecular behavior to macroscopic performance. This helps us understand and optimize features such as elasticity, toughness, and self-healing. The goal is to design polymer systems that are durable, reprocessable, and highly adaptable for advanced applications.

Additive Manufacturing of Next-Gen Materials

Our group develops novel approaches to additive manufacturing that enable the creation of advanced, sustainable materials. We explore new chemistries and processing strategies that expand beyond traditional 3D printing polymers and composites. A key focus is on tailoring material properties during printing to achieve multifunctionality. These efforts open pathways toward lightweight, high-performance structures with minimal waste.

Bio-Inspired structures: Enhanced Strength-to-Weight Ratio

Nature provides elegant solutions for combining lightness and strength, and we can apply these principles to material design. By mimicking biological architectures, we create materials with optimized geometries that maximize performance while minimizing weight.

Electro-rheology of nanocomposites

Electrorheology of nanocomposites involves tuning the flow and deformation behavior of polymer–nanoparticle systems using external electric fields. By aligning conductive or polarizable fillers such as carbon nanotubes or graphene, these materials exhibit rapid, reversible transitions from liquid-like to solid-like states. This field-directed control enables adaptive manufacturing processes and smart material systems with tunable mechanical and electrical properties.

Structure–Processing–Property Relationships

Understanding the interplay between structure, processing, and properties is central to advancing material design. We analyze how different processing routes influence microstructure and, in turn, how that structure governs mechanical and functional behavior. This knowledge allows us to establish predictive frameworks for tailoring materials with desired performance.