C. Karunakaran

Vellore Institute of Technology University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

C. Karunakaran is a pioneering researcher at the forefront of additive manufacturing and smart materials, whose work bridges the gap between nanotechnology and advanced polymer composites. His key research areas include 4D printing, shape memory polymers, and graphene-based nanocomposites, with a focus on creating stimuli-responsive materials for soft robotics and adaptive structures. In his most-cited paper (2021, 31 citations), Karunakaran introduced a groundbreaking approach to 4D printing by integrating graphene into acrylate-based shape memory polymers, enabling materials that can transform over time in response to external triggers. This work has laid the foundation for next-generation smart materials with programmable properties, offering transformative potential in fields ranging from biomedical devices to aerospace. His contributions are particularly notable for demonstrating how the synergy between graphene’s conductivity and polymer shape memory can unlock unprecedented control over material behavior. By pushing the boundaries of 4D printing, Karunakaran continues to inspire innovations in responsive systems, making him a key figure in the evolution of intelligent, adaptive materials for real-world applications.