Force-Activated, Mechanically Adaptive Soft Materials: Harnessing Cryptic Bonds in Synthetic Systems
Abstract
Abstract Statement of Scientific Objectives Using our expertise in modeling, materials chemistry, and mechanical characterization, our team of investigators will produce a new class of polymers that undergo tunable stiffening in response to applied forces and thereby exhibit new or enhanced properties upon mechanical deformation. The project is inspired by the remarkable ability of biological macromolecules to undergo beneficial structural changes in response to force. Using theory-led design, we will create a new class of force-responsive materials, with a specific focus on stiffening via strain-induced exposure of reactive sites. Biologically inspired computational models will guide the experimental effort, while synthetic chemistry will produce force-sensitive materials that achieve the desired mechano-responsive behavior. We will integrate our theoretical and experimental findings to design polymer networks and gels that provide unprecedented mechano-responsive strengthening, and use a variety of mechano-stimulation (such as tension, shear, and ultrasound) to provide on-demand strengthening of designer networks. Methods to be Employed This project will benefit from collaboration among investigators specializing in computational approaches to materials behavior (Balazs), synthetic materials chemistry (Emrick), polymer and network synthesis (Klier), and material behavior and characterization (Peyton). Materials predicted and guided by modeling from Balazs will be synthesized by Emrick and Klier, and characterized by Peyton. Experimental efforts will feedback iteratively to modeling at each step to create a workflow that effectively describes, predicts, and gains fundamental understanding of the forming and breakage of dynamic bonds under force and the resultant materials properties. Significance of the Proposed Effort to the Advancement of Knowledge The findings from this research will yield: 1) a new class of strain-responsive gels capable of reversible and irreversible stiffening, 2) several strain-inducing methods to expose reactive and degradable sites within networks, and 3) robust, predictive models that pinpoint regions in the large design space to guide the experimentalists along fruitful paths. In summary, we expect our collaborative approach will lead to transformative routes to utilizing mechanical deformation to improve materials performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 04, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910388
Entities
People
- Shelly R. Peyton
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Massachusetts Amherst