Paula T. Hammond
Current Research

Prof. Hammond's research and educational program emphasizes the use of molecular aspects in the study and development of new materials and processes. Its basis is the molecular design and synthesis of self-assembling polymeric systems, and the understanding and use of secondary interactions to guide their assembly at surfaces as well as in the bulk state. There are two primary areas of research in the group. The first area involves the use of polymer-surface interactions as a guide to the assembly of single and multicomponent micron and submicron scale structures on a broad range of surfaces as a means of microfabrication. We have developed a new approach to patterning polymer thin films on a micron length scale using nonlithographic techniques that involve the manipulation of surface functionality and polymer adsorption technique. The basis of this approach is the use of secondary, or non-specific interactions, in combination with steric repulsion and electrostatic interactions, to chemically direct the deposition of molecules and larger scale materials systems onto chemically patterned surfaces. Applications range from electro-optical devices to biologically active functional surfaces and sensors.

The second area approaches nanoscale self-assembly through the design of functionalized block copolymers. Block copolymers, which consist of two or more covalently bound polymer segments of different chemical composition, are known for their ability to microphase separate and organize into mesophase structures on nanometer length scales in the bulk state, and at surfaces and interfaces, based on chemical differences between blocks. We have focused investigations on the role of molecular architecture on the nanoscale ordering of block copolymer morphology, particularly for copolymer systems with asymmetric (irregular or nonlinear) blocks. Systems of interest include liquid crystalline block copolymers for electro-mechanical and electro-optical applications, and dendritic-linear block copolymers as nano-encapsulants or hosts for delivery and membrane applications. In general, concepts of thermodynamics and self-assembly are used in my group to create or control order on the nanometer to micron scale.

Further details

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