New Synthetic Strategies to Control Physico-Chemical Anisotropy in Liquid Crystalline Polymers
Abstract
The ability to mimic hierarchical and multifunctional materials present in natural systems (e.g., spider silk, nacre, bone, and tendons) with synthetic analogs will lead to structures with improved mechanical properties and stimuli-responsive behavior having end use applications in aerospace. As inspiration, the musculo-skeletal system relies on interactions between ordered stiff and soft components to optimize function (e.g., motion, dexterity, and force output), yet muscle mimetic materials remain elusive. Through three Targets we will enable molecular-to-macromolecular control over order, providing liquid crystalline (LC) polymers with programable mechanical properties and stimuli-responsive behaviors to address a longstanding fundamental question- can naturally occurring hierarchical structures with ordered morphologies be mimicked synthetically? To accomplish this grand objective, we will conduct research using distinct wavelengths and polarization angles of light to enable non-contact ordering and polymerization of bulk LC materials. With several testable hypotheses to guide experiments we will systematically investigate the connections between LC composition, architecture, processing parameters, and directionally dependent (i.e., anisotropic) chemical, optical, and mechanical properties. In this manner, we will determine whether the unveiled structure-process-property relationships follow our suppositions, ultimately informing the development of selective photocatalysts and multi-material, - directional, and -stimuli-responsive soft materials (i.e., smart plastics). The processes and smart plastics developed herein can facilitate missions of Air Force relevance, including robotic actuators that respond to environmental cues to optimize aerodynamics and optical metamaterials suitable for communication and stealth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2025
- Source ID
- FA95502410436
Entities
People
- Zachariah A Page
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Texas at Austin