Soft Materials Research Laboratory (SMRL)

The Soft Materials Research Laboratory (SMRL) directed by Prof. Pei in the UCLA Department of Materials Science and Engineering performs R&D on synthetic polymers and composites for advanced electronic, mechanical, and photonic devices. Current major research subjects include: Stretchable Electronics that develops transparent composite conductors, flexible and stretchable polymer electronic devices; Artificial Muscles that investigates dielectric elastomers and bistable electroactive polymers exhibiting electrically-induced strains greater than 50%; Nanocomposites combining high-Z nanoparticles with conjugated luminescent polymers for radiation scintillation; and Dielectric Materials with high thermal conductivity or for flexible electrocaloric cooling. SMRL occupies 2500 sq. ft. laboratory space divided into three separate rooms for organic/polymer synthesis, materials characterization and electronic device fabrication, and materials processing and electromechanical device fabrication, respectively.

News & Announcements

Nanocomposite Scintillator

Nanocomposite Scintillator

SMRL is collaborating with Prof. Arion Chatziioannou of Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging to develop a superfast scintillator for medical imaging and portal monitors. The new scintillator can detect X-ray and gamma ray with high light yield, nanosecond and faster...

SmartMat 2023 – Outside Front Cover Image

SmartMat 2023 – Outside Front Cover Image

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) emerge as a soft actuation technology that exhibits such advantageous properties as large strains, fast responses, high energy densities, and mechanical compliancy. Extensive research over the past few decades has advanced the...