
Publications
Featured Paper:

A critical review and meta-analysis of energy demand, carbon footprint, and other environmental impacts from carbon fiber manufacturing
Abstract: The demand for carbon fibers and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) is rapidly growing due to their outstanding mechanical properties and potential to enhance sustainability, particularly for lightweighting applications. However, carbon fibers are typically produced from fossil-based feedstocks, involve energy-intensive processes, and have limited options for sustainable end-of-life management or circularity. Despite these challenges, the energy demand and lifecycle environmental implications of their production remain poorly understood. Here, Read more
Chen, Hao, Heather PH Liddell, Amod A. Ogale, Zoe Chunyu Miao, Muzan Williams Ijeoma, and Michael Carbajales-Dale. "A critical review and meta-analysis of energy demand, carbon footprint, and other environmental impacts from carbon fiber manufacturing." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 219 (2025): 108302.
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2026 Publications

Publication
44
Thrust III Lead
Green chemistry design of one-step extraction of multi-functionalized lignin-precursors directly from biomass
Ganesan, Kavya, James Sternberg, and Srikanth Pilla. "Green chemistry design of one-step extraction of multi-functionalized lignin-precursors directly from biomass." Green Chemistry (2026).
Lead PI: James Sternberg, Srikanth Pilla

Publication
43
Thrust II Lead
Thrust I and III Support
ChemFM as a scaling law guided foundation model pre-trained on informative chemicals
Cai, Feiyang, Katelin Zacour, Tianyu Zhu, Tzuen-Rong Tzeng, Yongping Duan, Ling Liu, Srikanth Pilla, Gang Li, and Feng Luo. "ChemFM as a scaling law guided foundation model pre-trained on informative chemicals." Communications Chemistry (2025).
Lead PI: Feng Luo
Support PIs: Srikanth Pilla, Gang Li

Publication
42
Thrust I Lead
A generalized topology optimization formulation for design of meta-materials and structures for prescribed non-linear elastic behavior
Sadiwala, Rushabh Rajesh, Georges Fadel, Nicole Coutris, and Gang Li. "A generalized topology optimization formulation for design of meta-materials and structures for prescribed non-linear elastic behavior." Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization 69, no. 1 (2025): 4.
Lead PIs: Gang Li

Publication
41
Thrust I Lead
Thrust III Support
Finite Element Analysis of Mathematically Generated Model of Rib 1 × 1 Weft-Knitted Fabric Under Uniaxial Tension
SKoorosh Delavari, Taejoon Park, Myoung-Gyu Lee, Mostafa Elnaggar, Srikanth Pilla, Gang Li, Farhang Pourboghrat "Finite Element Analysis of Mathematically Generated Model of Rib 1 × 1 Weft-Knitted Fabric Under Uniaxial Tension" SPE (2025)
Lead PIs: Taejoon Park, Farhang Pourboghrat
Supporting PIs: Srikanth Pilla

Publication
40
Thrust I Lead
Thrust III Support
Investigation of the effect of cooling rates on the mechanical behavior of thermoformed continuous fiber reinforced semi-crystalline thermoplastic composites
Deshpande, Amit Makarand, Tatiana Stepanova, Taejoon Park, Sai Aditya Pradeep, Mostafa Elnaggar, Koorosh Delavari, Akshat Agha, Gang Li, Farhang Pourboghrat, and Srikanth Pilla. "Investigation of the Effect of Cooling Rates on the Mechanical Behavior of Thermoformed Continuous Fiber Reinforced Semi-Crystalline Thermoplastic Composites." Composites Part B: Engineering (2025): 113100.
Lead PIs: Taejoon Park, Farhang Pourboghrat
Supporting PIs: Gang Li, Srikanth Pilla

Publication
39
Thrust III Lead
Structure–property relationships of flexible, non-isocyanate polyurethane foams from lignin and castor oil-based reagents
Evancho, Kathryn, Richard S. Reiner, Biljana M. Bujanovic, Srikanth Pilla, and James Sternberg. "Structure–property relationships of flexible, non-isocyanate polyurethane foams from lignin and castor oil-based reagents." RSC advances 15, no. 45 (2025): 38056-38068.
Lead PIs: Srikanth Pilla, James Sternberg

Publication
38
Thrust III Lead
Biobased chemical recycling: aminolysis of PET using renewable reagents and monomers to synthesize new semi-aromatic polyamides
Hewage, Sathiska Podduwala, Kevin Simmons, Srikanth Pilla, and James Sternberg. "Biobased Chemical Recycling: Aminolysis of PET using Renewable Reagents and Monomers to Synthesize New Semi-aromatic Polyamides." RSC Sustainability (2025).
Lead PIs: Kevin Simmons
Supporting PIs: Srikanth Pilla, James Sternberg

Publication
37
Thrust III Lead
Carbon composites for electromagnetic interference shielding: Progress, challenges and perspective
Sharma, Govind Kumar, S. Raji, Reshna Suresh, Mohammed Rahees, Srikanth Pilla, Nirmala Rachel James, and K. Prabhakaran. "Carbon Composites for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding: Progress, Challenges and Perspective." Carbon (2025): 120874.
Lead PIs: Srikanth Pilla

Publication
36
Thrust III Lead
Waterborne polyurethane dispersions with graphene oxide/graphene as a novel eco-friendly coating for glass fabrics: An investigation
Pillai, Vishnu Vijayan, Sai Aditya Pradeep, Premika Govindaraj, Rebecca Stutzman, Olivia Sequerth, Srikanth Pilla, Peter Kingshott, Nishar Hameed, and Nisa Salim. "Waterborne polyurethane dispersions with graphene oxide/graphene as a novel eco-friendly coating for glass fabrics: An investigation." Applied Materials Today 47 (2025): 102915.
Lead PIs: Srikanth Pilla

Publication
35
Thrust II Lead
Optimizing the optimizer for physics-informed neural networks and Kolmogorov-Arnold networks
Kiyani, Elham, Khemraj Shukla, Jorge F. Urbán, Jérôme Darbon, and George Em Karniadakis. "Optimizing the optimizer for physics-informed neural networks and Kolmogorov-Arnold networks." Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 446 (2025): 118308.
Lead PIs: George Karniadakis

Publication
34
Thrust III Lead
Thrust I Support
Comparative Life Cycle Energy Assessment of Lightweight Multi-material Metal-Fiber Composite Hybrid Body-in-White Designs
Deshpande, Amit Makarand, Urjit Lad, Sai Aditya Pradeep, Ningxiner Zhao, Leon M. Headings, Marcelo J. Dapino, Ryan Hahnlen et al. "Comparative Life Cycle Energy Assessment of Lightweight Multi-material Metal-Fiber Composite Hybrid Body-in-White Designs." Composites Part B: Engineering (2025): 113000.
Lead PIs: Srikanth Pilla, Kevin Simmons
Support PIs: Gang Li, Michael Carbajales-Dale

Publication
33
Thrust III Lead
Thrust I Support
Establishing a process-structure-property-performance framework for SLS additive manufacturing through integrated multiscale modeling
Zadeh, Cameron, Tatiana Stepanova, Alireza Zarei, Yong Huang, Pauline M. Smith, Gang Li, and Srikanth Pilla. "Establishing a process-structure-property-performance framework for SLS additive manufacturing through integrated multiscale modeling." Materials & Design (2025): 114431.
Lead PIs: Srikanth Pilla
Support PI: Gang Li, Yong Huang

Publication
32
Thrust II Lead
Predicting crack nucleation and propagation in brittle materials using Deep Operator Networks with diverse trunk architectures
Kiyani, Elham, Manav Manav, Nikhil Kadivar, Laura De Lorenzis, and George Em Karniadakis. "Predicting crack nucleation and propagation in brittle materials using deep operator networks with diverse trunk architectures." Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 441 (2025): 117984.
Lead PIs: George Karniadakis

Publication
31
Thrust I Lead
A critical review and meta-analysis of energy demand, carbon footprint, and
other environmental impacts from carbon fiber manufacturing
Chen, Hao, Heather PH Liddell, Amod A. Ogale, Zoe Chunyu Miao, Muzan Williams Ijeoma, and Michael Carbajales-Dale. "A critical review and meta-analysis of energy demand, carbon footprint, and other environmental impacts from carbon fiber manufacturing". Researchgate (2025)
Lead PI: Michael Carbajales-Dale

Publication
30
Thrust I Lead
Thrust III Support
Exploring Temporal, Regional and Stakeholder Dimensions of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (Cfrps) Recycling: A Life Cycle Assessment Case Study
Miao, Zoe Chunyu, Hao Chen, Ulrike Kirschnick, Srikanth Pilla, Gang Li, Kevin Simmons, James Sternberg, and Mik Carbajales-Dale. "Exploring Temporal, Regional and Stakeholder Dimensions of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (Cfrps) Recycling: A Life Cycle Assessment Case Study." Regional and Stakeholder Dimensions of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (Cfrps) Recycling: A Life Cycle Assessment Case Study. (2025)
Lead PI: Michael Carbajales-Dale, Gang Li
Support PI: Srikanth Pilla, Kevin Simmons, James Sternberg

Publication
29
Thrust II Lead
Thrust I & III Support
Physically constrained 3D diffusion for inverse design of fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials
Pei Xu, Yunpeng Wu, Alireza Zarei, Shahriar Ahmed, Srikanth Pilla, Gang Li, Feng Luo. "Physically constrained 3D diffusion for inverse design of fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials". Science Direct (2025)
Lead PI: Gang Li
Support PI: Srikanth Pilla, Feng Luo

Publication
28
Thrust III Lead
A novel laser light absorption model for composite materials in the context of laser ultrasonic testing
Zarei, Alireza, and Srikanth Pilla. "A novel laser light absorption model for composite materials in the context of laser ultrasonic testing." Optik (2025): 172260.
Lead PI: Srikanth Pilla

Publication
27
Thrust II Lead
Which Optimizer Works Best for Physics-Informed Neural Networks and Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks?
Kiyani, Elham, Khemraj Shukla, Jorge F. Urbán, Jérôme Darbon, and George Em Karniadakis. "Which Optimizer Works Best for Physics-Informed Neural Networks and Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks?." arXiv preprint arXiv:2501.16371 (2025).
Lead PI: George Karniadakis

Publication
26
Thrust II Lead
Uncertainty quantification for noisy inputs–outputs in physics-informed neural networks and neural operators
Zou, Zongren, Xuhui Meng, and George Em Karniadakis. "Uncertainty quantification for noisy inputs–outputs in physics-informed neural networks and neural operators." Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 433 (2025): 117479.
Lead PI: George Karniadakis

Publication
25
Thrust I Lead
Thrust III Support
Electricity use in big area additive manufacturing of fiber-reinforced polymer composites
Chen, Hao, Srikanth Pilla, Gang Li, Muzan Williams Ijeoma, and Michael Carbajales-Dale. "Electricity use in big area additive manufacturing of fiber-reinforced polymer composites." Scientific Data 11, no.1 (2024): 1362.
Lead PI: Gang Li
Supporting PI: Srikanth Pilla

Publication
24
Thrust I Lead
Thrust III Support
Convergent laser beam shapes: Unveiling the dynamics of Laser-induced elastic waves in composite materials
Zarei, Alireza, Gang Li, Farhang Pourboghrat, and Srikanth Pilla. "Convergent laser beam shapes: Unveiling the dynamics of Laser-induced elastic waves in composite materials." Results in Physics (2024)
Lead PI: Gang Li
Supporting PI: Srikanth Pilla , Farhang Pourboghrat

Publication
23
Thrust II Lead
PINNs4Drops: Convolutional feature-enhanced physics-informed neural networks for reconstructing two-phase flows
Dreisbach, Maximilian, Elham Kiyani, Jochen Kriegseis, George Karniadakis, and Alexander Stroh. "PINNs4Drops: Convolutional feature-enhanced physics-informed neural networks for reconstructing two-phase flows." arXiv preprint arXiv:2411.15949 (2024)
Lead PI: George Karniadakis

Publication
22
Thrust II Lead
Multi‐Material Gradient Printing Using Meniscus‐enabled Projection Stereolithography (MAPS)
Kunwar, Puskal, Arun Poudel, Ujjwal Aryal, Rui Xie, Zachary J. Geffert, Haven Wittmann, Daniel Fougnier et al. "Multi‐Material Gradient Printing Using Meniscus‐enabled Projection Stereolithography (MAPS)." Advanced Materials Technologies (2024)
Lead PI: Zhen Li

Publication
21
Thrust II Lead
Bridging scales in multiscale bubble growth dynamics with correlated fluctuations using neural operator learning
Lu, M., Lin, C., Maxey, M., Karniadakis, G. E., & Li, Z. (2024). "Bridging scales in multiscale bubble growth dynamics with correlated fluctuations using neural operator learning." International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 180, 104959. (2024)
Lead PI: George Karniadakis

Publication
20
Thrust III Lead
Thrust I Support
Advancing Automotive Light-weighting: Material–Process–Microstructure–Performance (MP2) Relationships of Supercritical Foam Injection of PP–Graphene Nanocomposite Foams and Over-molding
Pradeep, Sai Aditya, Amit Makarand Deshpande, Bhavik Shah, Saida Khan, Saeed Farahani, James Sternberg, Gang Li, and Srikanth Pilla. "Advancing Automotive Light-weighting: Material–Process–Microstructure–Performance (MP2) Relationships of Supercritical Foam Injection of PP–Graphene Nanocomposite Foams and Over-molding." SAE International Journal of Sustainable Transportation, Energy, Environment, & Policy 5, no. 13-05-03-0019 (2024).
Lead PI: Srikanth Pilla
Supporting PI: James Sternberg, Gang Li

Publication
19
Thrust I Lead
A parametrized continuum constitutive model for reinforced thermoplastic composites with mechanically interlocked interface
Kothari, A., Ozsoy, I. B., & Li, G. (2024). "A parametrized continuum constitutive model for reinforced thermoplastic composites with mechanically interlocked interface." International Journal of Solids and Structures", 302, 112994. (2024)
Lead PI: Gang Li

Publication
18
Thrust I Lead
Thrust III Support
Predicting Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed PLA Carbon Fiber Beyond Printing Parameter Dependencies.
Elnaggar, Mostafa, Madhura Athale, Taejoon Park, Koorosh Delavari, Reza Rezaei, and Farhang Pourboghrat. "Predicting Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed PLA Carbon Fiber Beyond Printing Parameter Dependencies." (2024)
Lead PI: Farhang Pourboghrat
Supporting PI: Taejoon Park

Publication
17
Thrust I Lead
Thrust III Support
Finite Element Simulation and Mathematical Modeling of High-Elongation Rate Rib 1* 1 Weft-Knitted Fabric.
Delavari, Koorosh, Taejoon Park, Mostafa Elnaggar, Madhura Athale, and Farhang Pourboghrat. "Finite Element Simulation and Mathematical Modeling of High-Elongation Rate Rib 1* 1 Weft-Knitted Fabric." (2024)
Lead PI: Farhang Pourboghrat
Supporting PI: Taejoon Park

Publication
16
Thrust III Lead
Thrust I Support
Microstructure-Process-Property relationships of PLA-PBSA bimodal foams
Pradeep, SA, Kharbas, H, Turng, LS, Avalos, A, Lawrence, JG., Li, G, & Pilla, S. (2024). "Microstructure-Process-Property relationships of PLA-PBSA bimodal foams." Manufacturing Letters (2024)
Lead PI: Srikanth Pilla
Supporting PI: Gang Li

Publication
15
Thrust III Lead
Thrust I Support
A novel digital lifecycle for Material-Process-Microstructure-Performance relationships of thermoplastic olefins foams manufactured via supercritical fluid assisted foam injection molding
Pradeep SA, Deshpande AM, Lavertu P-Y, Ting, Z. Aditya, V.A. Yiro, A. Li, G, Pilla, S. "A novel digital lifecycle for Material-Process-Microstructure-Performance relationships of thermoplastic olefins foams manufactured via supercritical fluid assisted foam injection molding." Polym Eng Sci. 2024;1‐19. doi:10.1002/pen.26700
Lead PI: Srikanth Pilla
Supporting PI: Gang Li

Publication
14
Thrust II Lead
Droplet bioprinting of acellular and cell-laden structures at high-resolutions
Puskal Kunwar, Ujjwal Aryal, Arun Poudel, Daniel Fougnier, Zachary J Geffert, Rui Xie, Zhen Li, and Pranav Soman (2024) "Droplet bioprinting of acellular and cell-laden structures at high-resolutions" IOP Science (2024)
Lead PI: Zhen Li

Publication
12
Thrust II Lead
Predicting biomass comminution: Physical experiment, population balance model, and deep learning
Lu, Minglei, Yidong Xia, Tiasha Bhattacharjee, Jordan Klinger, and Zhen Li. "Predicting biomass comminution: Physical experiment, population balance model, and deep learning." Powder Technology 441 (2024): 119830 (2024)
Lead PI: Zhen Li

Publication
11
Thrust III Lead
Vapor-induced phase-separation-enabled versatile direct ink writing
Sole-Gras, M., Ren, B., Ryder, B. J., Ge, J., Huang, J., Chai, W., ... & Huang, Y. (2024). "Vapor-induced phase-separation-enabled versatile direct ink writing." Nature Communications, 15(1), 3058 (2024)
Lead PI: Yong Huang

Publication
10
Thrust II Lead
Characterization of partial wetting by CMAS droplets using multiphase many-body dissipative particle dynamics and data-driven discovery based on PINNs
Kiyani, E., Kooshkbaghi, M., Shukla, K., Koneru, R. B., Li, Z., Bravo, L., ... & Karttunen, M. (2024). "Characterization of partial wetting by CMAS droplets using multiphase many-body dissipative particle dynamics and data-driven discovery based on PINNs." Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 985, A7. (2024)
Lead PI: George Karniadakis
Supporting PI: Zhen Li

Publication
09
Thrust III Lead
Sequential Dual Alignments Introduce Synergistic Effect on Hexagonal Boron Nitride Platelets for Superior Thermal Performance
Chen, Y., Gao, Z., Hoo, S.A., Tipnis, V., Wang, R., Mitevski, I., Hitchcock, D., Simmons, K.L., Sun, Y., Sarntinoranont, M., Huang, Y., “Sequential Dual Alignments Introduce Synergistic Effect on Hexagonal Boron Nitride Platelets for Superior Thermal Performance,” Advanced Materials, p.2314097, (2024)
Lead PI: Yong Huang
Supporting PI's: Kevin L. Simmons, Dale Hitchcock

Publication
08
Thrust I Lead
Sequential Selection for Minimizing the Variance with Application to Crystallization Experiments
Caroline Kerfonta, Sunuk Kim, Ye Chen, Qiong Zhang and Mo Jiang. “Sequential Selection for Minimizing the Variance with Application to Crystallization Experiments”, The American Statistician, 1-16, (2024)
Lead PI: Qiong Zhang

Publication
07
Thrust III Lead
Structure-property relationships in flexible and rigid lignin-derived polyurethane foams: A review
Sternberg, J. and Pilla, S. "Structure-property relationships in flexible and rigid lignin-derived polyurethane foams: A review", Materials Today Sustainability, 2024, 25, 100643.
Lead PI's : Srikanth Pilla
Supporting PI: James Sternberg

Publication
06
Thrust III Lead
Thrust I Support
Deep reinforcement learning for the design of mechanical metamaterials with tunable deformation and hysteretic characteristics
N. K. Brown, A. Deshpande, A. Garland, S. A. Pradeep, G. Fadel, S. Pilla, G. Li, "Deep reinforcement learning for the design of mechanical metamaterials with tunable deformation and hysteretic characteristics," Materials and Design, vol. 235, 112428, (2023).
Lead PI: Srikanth Pilla
Supporting PI's: Gang Li

Publication
05
Thrust III Lead
A Thermoplastic Polymer from Lignin: Creating an Extended Polyamide Network through Reactive Kraft Lignin Derivatives
Sternberg, J. & Pilla, S. "A Thermoplastic Polymer from Lignin: Creating an Extended Polyamide Network through Reactive Kraft Lignin Derivatives." ACS Omega, 2023, 8, 43, 40110-40118. (2023)
Lead PI's : Srikanth Pilla
Supporting PI: James Sternberg

Publication
04
Thrust I Lead
Thrust III Support
Design, performance, and cost savings of using GF-PC additively manufactured tooling for stamping of HSS 590 sheet metal
Madhura Athale, Taejoon Park, Ryan Hahnlen, Farhang Pourboghrat. “Design, performance, and cost savings of using GF-PC additively manufactured tooling for stamping of HSS 590 sheet metal.” Journal of Manufacturing Processes 101 (2023), 1-14. (2023)
Lead PI: Farhang Pourboghrat
Supporting PI: Taejoon Park

Publication
03
Thrust II Lead
Thrust I Support
Deep neural operator for learning transient response of interpenetrating-phase composites subject to dynamic loading
M. Lu, A. Mohammadi, Z. Meng, X. Meng, G. Li and Z. Li. "Deep neural operator for learning transient response of interpenetrating-phase composites subject to dynamic loading." Computational Mechanics, 2023, 72: 563-576.
Lead PI: Zhen Li
Supporting PI's: Gang Li

Publication
01
Thrust II Lead
A Mori-Zwanzig dissipative particle dynamics approach for anisotropic coarse grained molecular dynamics