DESIGN, ASSEMBLY AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COMPOSITE ...

devices would provide self-sustaining electrical signals to cells in or adjacent to the
scaffold when the device is dynamically loaded. It provides a potential route to replicate
the relevant mechanical and electrical environment in implanted medical device, and
could be used to promote anisotropic tissue regeneration within one implant. Figure 2.3
demonstrates the fabrication concept for local Ni structures. Figure 2.4 illustrates
proposed NPR BT-Ni composite structure.
The responsibilities for the joint project are assigned in such a way that the
materials processing and composite fabrication are solely undertaken at OSU, the
mechanical and electro-mechanical characterizations for the fabricated composites are
primarily carried out at KU, and the design of composite materials is determined with
inputs from both sides. In this context, this dissertation largely focuses on the materials
processing and pertinent materials characterizations; and in-depth characterizations for
the proposed mechanical and electro-mechanical properties fell on the shoulder of Dr.
Friis' graduate student Nicolas V. Jaumard.
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