Designing Sensory and Adaptive Composite Materials
Abstract
We developed new computational approaches to design composites that exhibit remarkable abilities to both sense external cues and adapt to these cues in controllable, 'programmable' ways. We focused on two particular classes of materials; both include hard particles and soft, cross-linked polymers. The first class of materials involves polymer-grafted nanoparticles (PGNs) that are cross-linked into extensive networks. Our aim was to devise PGN networks that become stronger and tougher in response to an applied force. In effect, these composites would mimic a salient feature of bone remodeling, which leads to the improvement of mechanical properties after deformation. The second class of materials that we considered is stimuli responsive, fiber-reinforced gels. Here, the gels provide the composite with considerable mutability in response to environmental cues, such as variations in light and heat. Our models also allow us to predict and optimize the performance and mechanical integrity of these systems in response to changes in the surrounding environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 18, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1104526
Entities
People
- Anna C. Balazs
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh