Responsive Polymer Interfaces
Abstract
This project focused on the fabrication and characterization of responsive polymer interfaces to be used as "smart" coatings that dynamically alter surface properties, advanced optical devices, and/or sensors. Transition speed, magnitude of change, and sensitivity are primary challenges in the development of responsive surfaces. To meet these challenges, we developed polymer surfaces with controlled shell structures that transition via snap-through or crumpling elastic instabilities upon the application of a trigger. During this final reporting period, we have focused on three primary aspects of these responsive surface-attached shells: 1) the dynamics of snap; 2) the adhesion of crumpling surface structures; and 3) the crumpling of ultrathin polymer films for the fabrication of sub-micron surface patterns. In addition to the three papers related to this project published in significant peer-review journals, we are currently preparing three manuscripts to publish the results of each of the three focused initiatives of this past funding period. Several presentations on this research also have been delivered at national and international symposia, a full patent for the developed technology has been filed, companies and private investors have expressed interest in this technology, and the research has received numerous highlights in the national and local media.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 02, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA499873
Entities
People
- Alfred J Crosby
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts Amherst