Research
Welcome to our laboratory, affiliated with the Institute of innovative research (IIR), which is dedicated to creating world-class research to pioneer new research areas, confront real-world societal problems, support and contribute to the evolution of industries in the future. Students in our lab not only receive the education in materials science and engineering, but also collaborate with IIR on cutting-edge global research and applications that have the potential to shape the world.
Research and design on shape memory alloys (SMAs)
SMAs exhibit unique properties where they can return to their original shape simply by heating or removing stress, even after undergoing significant amount of deformation. As functional materials, SMAs are widely used in various applications such as medical devices. In our laboratory, we are dedicated to further developing novel SMAs that are not only “safe” but also “highly functional”. Like titanium-based SMAs composed of biocompatible elements, as well as gold-based SMAs with enhanced X-ray visibility. Our research collaborations with universities and companies are extensively across the global for various material development in medical and energy technology.
Recent major papers
Magnetic field-driven actuator/composite materials
We are combining biocompatible resin with magnetic shape memory alloy to synthesize composite materials that can be operated remotely using magnetic fields with faster response times compared to traditional SMAs. This composite material was developed in our laboratory and is being researched through international collaboration with institutions such as the University of the Basque Country in Spain.
Recent major papers
- Large magnetostrains of Ni-Mn-Ga/silicone composite containing system of oriented 5M and 7M martensitic particles, Scripta Materialia, 2022.
- Bi-doping engineering of Ni-Mn-Ga polycrystals and resulting grain particles for smart Ni-Mn-Ga/polymer composites, Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 2023.
Shape memory alloy single crystals related fundamental research
Utilizing single crystals proves to be an effective approach for clarifying the deformation and transformation behaviors in metallic materials. We are conducting fundamental research using single crystal SMAs created through optical floating zone (OFZ) and 3D printing techniques to gain insights into the shape memory effect and martensitic transformation of these alloys.
