Development of Polymer Gel Sensors and Devices Controlled by Infrared Light and Ultrasonic Waves

Abstract

This research aims to develop sensors and devices based on polymer gels. Under the support of the ARO grants (Technical monitor: Dr. Douglas Kiserow, Grant No. DAAH04-93-G-0215), we have made significant progress toward understanding, synthesis and application of gel systems. The major inventions are: (1) Synthesis and application of modulated polymer gels, (2) Bending of N-isopropylacrylamide gel under influence of infrared light, (3) CO2 laser controlled transmission of visible light in N-isopropylacrylamide gel, (4) Shape memory gels have been synthesized based on spatial modulation of the chemical nature of gels. A variety of shapes have been obtained including 'spiral', 'fish', 'numbers', 'alphabets' and 'tube', and (5) Change of the ultrasonic attenuation near the volume phase transition of gels. The accomplishments for the past four years have been published in 16 papers including one in Science, four in Journal of Chemical Physics, three in macromolecules, and two in Journal of Applied Polymer Science. Some of the results have been reported by Chemical and Engineering News (June 9, p.36-37, 1997), and Chemistry & Industry (July 15, p.531-532,1996). One patent was filed to the U. S. Patent Office. Two graduate students have obtained their Ph.D. under the support of the ARO grants.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 24, 1997
Accession Number
ADA332547

Entities

People

  • Zhibing Hu

Organizations

  • University of North Texas

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Attenuation
  • Attenuation
  • Carbon Dioxide Lasers
  • Chemistry
  • Infrared Lasers
  • Macromolecules
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Patent Office
  • Patents
  • Phase Transformations
  • Scientists
  • Shear Modulus
  • Transition Temperature
  • Transitions
  • Ultrasounds
  • Visible Spectra

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy