Abstract

In this seminar, Prof. Caraveo will present his work on novel electroactive polymers, spanning industrial research to academic innovation.

First, he will discuss his contributions as an industrial scientist at SABIC Corporate Research, where he developed new polymer formulations for triboelectric-based touch and force sensors. He will also showcase the design and fabrication of an all thin-film remote switch prototype, demonstrating the capabilities of these advanced materials. Next, he will explore his work on piezoelectric composites for haptic feedback applications, sharing key lessons learned in translating research into commercial opportunities.

Finally, Prof. Caraveo will outline his research vision as the Principal Investigator of the Advanced Sensing and Actuation Laboratory (ASAL). His team focuses on developing multifunctional, responsive materials in usable forms for physical sensing, actuation, and micro-mechanical energy harvesting. He will highlight the current challenges of polymer ferroelectrets, which limit their widespread adoption in physical parameter sensing, soft robotics, and biomechanical energy harvesting.

Through this talk, he aims to illustrate how next-generation flexible and wearable electronics demand a reimagining of multifunctional materials via innovative molecular-level design.

Biography

Alfonso Caraveo obtained his master’s and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from KAUST in 2010 and 2013 respectively. He is a KAUST founding class alumnus.

In 2014 he joined SABIC Corporate Research and Innovation Center where he initiated and led the company efforts in the development of disruptive sensing technologies including new materials development (polymer composites), sensing and actuation devices, and system integration. During his tenure at SABIC he advanced R&D projects to the pre-commercialization stage in record time. He worked on triboelectric materials, piezocomposites, thin film transistors and the development of several devices such as touch and force sensors, haptic feedback devices, and thin film circuitry.

In 2018 he became a Research Scientist at the University of Texas at Dallas where he managed a research group focused on developing all solid-state radiation detectors. He also led the commercialization efforts to bring this technology to the marketplace. In August 2023 he returned to SABIC Technology and Innovation as a Staff Scientist, where he worked identifying new opportunities for the company in the Electrical and Electronics market segment.

Alfonso has 26 publications in peer-reviewed journals, 2 book chapters, 14 granted patents and 28 US patent applications. Some of these patents are currently under commercial use or licensing agreements. He has transferred 4 R&D projects to commercialization and led the sale of a startup company to a global leader in additive manufacturing of high-value, high-performance consumer electronics. He has received grants from different US agencies including National Science Foundation (NSF), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Energy (DoE). In 2020, he was awarded the National Researcher distinction to become a member of Mexico’s National Council of Science and Technology.

On April 6th, 2025, he joined KAUST as an Assistant Professor of Materials Science and Engineering.