Karan Dikshit (Ph.D.MatSci’22) is the first author of a paper on ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces which introduces new adhesive materials that not only allow easy attachment and removal but can contribute to sustainability efforts around the world.
Dikshit studied polymer chemistry and mechanics with Assistant Professor Carson Bruns during his time at CU Boulder in the Material Science and Engineering Program. We asked him about the role, his current job, and more.
What was your area of study in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and how did you end up in Boulder?
Dikshit: Before joining CU Boulder I had the unique opportunity to gain research experience at India’s prestigious National Chemical Laboratory. It was during this time that my passion for scientific exploration and making a positive impact on the world through sustainable materials grew greatly.
When I consider my next academic move, CU Boulder stands as a beacon of cutting-edge research and innovation — especially at the fascinating intersection of sustainability and soft materials. It also boasts an amazing location set against the beautiful backdrop of the Flatirons which also helped me decide to come here.
I got my Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering in the summer of 2022. Currently, I have the privilege of working at FLO Materials, a company dedicated to solving the pressing issue of industrial plastic waste, in Berkeley, California. FLO Materials aims to revolutionize the field by offering groundbreaking platform technology that enables the production of infinitely recyclable polymers.
How would you describe the work and results of this paper to a high school student?
Traditional adhesives are often derived from petroleum refining and are difficult to dispose of in an environmentally friendly manner. New eco-friendly materials such as lipoic acid, cyclodextrin, and polyrotaxane—as we discussed in the paper—also adhere and have other beneficial properties such as easy removal without leaving a residue or damaging the surfaces involved.
These materials are also made from molecules that can be bioderived. Cyclodextrin, for example, comes from plant starch. The use of renewable resources like that helps to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel-based options and the sustainable nature of the materials also opens up the possibility of recycling them in other applications to further reduce the production of waste.
What are some of the other potential applications of this research?
The wide range of real-world applications for these pressure-sensitive supramolecular adhesives is very promising. In the medical field, these adhesives have the potential to revolutionize wound care by providing a gentle yet secure bond to bandages and dressings. Their pressure-sensitive nature also allows for quick and painless removal, improving patient comfort during the healing process. And in the field of electronics, they offer exciting opportunities for the development of flexible circuits.
Anything else you’d like to say about your time at CU Boulder?
In addition to lab work, my time at the University of Colorado Boulder brought significant personal growth and development. Participating in research, attending conferences, and participating in seminars allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. Presenting my work to a wider scientific community has also improved my communication skills and confidence in sharing my research findings with others.
These experiences not only deepened my knowledge but also sharpened my critical thinking and problem solving abilities. Beyond the academic field, I had the opportunity to work with different individuals from different cultural backgrounds. These interactions have broadened my perspective and developed a greater appreciation for different approaches and ideas. Being part of a supportive and collaborative environment encourages me to be a more effective team player, build strong relationships and learn from the expertise of my peers.
More information:
Karan Vivek Dikshit et al, Pressure-Sensitive Supramolecular Adhesives Based on Lipoic Acid and Biofriendly Dynamic Cyclodextrin and Polyrotaxane Cross-Linkers, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c00927
Provided by the University of Colorado at Boulder
Citation: Q&A: Researchers develop sustainable new adhesives for industry (2023, July 24) retrieved 24 July 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-07-qa-sustainable-adhesives-industry.html
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