Overview

In a research space where scientific concepts that were once domiciled in laboratories are being transformed into functional materials and devices, Dr. David Olubiyi Obada’s research group has concentrated on the development, characterization, and testing of multifunctional materials that are naturally existing and specifically engineered. Over the years, the group has been dedicated to engineering and transforming these materials for use in fundamental and advanced research and to fulfill societal needs.

Our research focuses on catalysis, mechanical and crack behaviour of advanced materials such as perovskites, kaolin-based membranes, hydroxyapatite scaffolds, etc. We are most interested in their remarkable physical, chemical, and mechanical properties such as density, porosity, homogenous and heterogeneous morphologies, robust hardness and fracture toughness, and unprecedented barrier properties. We fabricate and characterize chemical, micromechanical, and biomedical devices. Our favourite, based on current research are hydroxyapatite scaffolds which are produced from natural sources using a new low compaction protocol. The low compaction protocol has enabled the fabrication of enhanced mechanically competent biomaterials which are proposed for enhanced bone repair in osteoporotic patients. In addition, we can use biomaterials for water purification because of the remarkable absorption properties of hydroxyapatite. Our unique fabrication protocol has allowed us to experimentally measure a number of physical and chemical properties and establish their unprecedented mechanical stability. Primarily, biomaterials with research emphasis on restorative materials are our main target. Our research projects include clinical and animal studies as well as in vitro research spanning from ceramics to polymers and metals with emphasis on biocompatibility and restoration of troubled sites. In addition, we are excited about the prospects of fabricating semipermeable membranes for gas or liquid separations and water purification.