Rapid Photocontrolled Growth of Color-Coded and Tunable Polymer Networks
Abstract
The utility of light to transform matter from liquid resins to solid objects (i.e., curing) with both spatial and temporal resolution has enabled applications in coatings, adhesives, microelectronics, soft robotics, imaging, and 3D printing. Yet, new photochemical methodologies and materials are required to provide the control necessary to advance state-of-the-art designer plastics (i.e., tailor properties for particular applications). Current gaps in the photopolymerization field include: 1) resins with wavelength-specificity (Òspectral controlÓ) and 2) diversity in polymer architecture. Furthermore, contemporary photopolymers require UV light to cure, however visible light offers an attractive low-energy and tunable alternative. For light-based radical polymerizations, numerous termination pathways facilitate spatiotemporal control, but uncontrolled polymerization limits topological diversity (e.g., star, block, gradient, and brush architectures). The present proposal describes how we plan to overcome these challenges using a synergistic combination of visible light photochemistry and molecular engineering, providing access to soft materials, topologies, and form-factors currently inaccessible with photochemistry. The central goal of the proposed research is to uncover unique properties of small molecule chromophores to enable new photopolymerization methodologies that will improve control over composition and structure during the course of polymerization. The proposed basic science will enhance the applicability of photopolymers by widening the scope of accessible materials with tailored and spatially discrete properties (e.g., mechanical, optical, and electronic).
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210115
Entities
People
- Zachariah A Page
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Texas at Austin