Design and synthesis of force responsive materials

Professor: Meredith Silberstein

Project Description:

Chemical bond cleavage by mechanical force can be used as a mechanism to generate materials that change their properties in response to stress. This project in the Silberstein group will focus on the synthesis of novel polymeric materials that change their hydrophobicity and acidity in response to mechanical stimuli. These materials are promising for naval, soft robotics, and desalination applications. This project is suitable for undergraduate students interested in gaining experience in material design, polymer synthesis and material science. The REU student will be responsible for polymer synthesis and characterization.