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Theme 1.5: Functional and Responsive Elastomers
For applications such as actuable membranes for temperature management
and chemical/biological agent protection, high strength, high strain
polymeric materials for tough smart fabrics and heat, light, or
chemistry-responsive fibers, the use of a true, high strength
elastomeric fiber
with the ability to undergo direct tensile or contractile response is
critical. In general, there is a performance gap between rigid,
high strength materials that cannot undergo significant mechanical strain,
and responsive polymer gels or materials that can undergo actuation or
shape response but often at the cost of maintaining strength and toughness. The
strategic approach in this theme is the development of new elastomeric
materials that can undergo shape change, deformation, expansion or changes
in stiffness or damping/compliance on exposure to light, electrical field,
environmental temperature changes, and potentially even the presence
of different chemical agents. The approach entails both a strong
synthetic component for the creation of new functional materials with
field-responsive side or main chains, as well as the generation of nanocomposite
blends with these new materials and inorganic nanoparticles. Interesting
concepts include the possible coupling of nanoparticle chemistries with
elastomer side groups such that mechanical properties can be reversibly
modified in the presence of different chemicals, or the use of electrochemically
activated particles that yield actuable membranes that open or close
on demand.
Project 1.5.1: Functional and Responsive Elastomers
Theme 1.5 Researchers
Prof. Paula T. Hammond, Department
of Chemical Engineering
Prof. Gareth H. McKinley, Department
of Mechanical Engineering
Prof.
Richard R. Schrock, Department of Chemistry
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