Ultrasensitive Force Probe

How to Apply

Interested in participating in this research project? Contact the professor or graduate student listed below.

Professor

Dr. Junpeng Wang (Polymer Science) | jwang6@uakron.edu

Graduate Student

Hanlin Chen | hc105@zips.uakron.edu

Project Description

The formation of polymer networks inevitably introduces topological defects, such as loops. While these defects undermine the mechanical properties of the materials, they could also bring opportunities for the design of new materials. For example, when stress is applied to the network, the two chains that constitute a secondary loop can approach each other, which can be potentially monitored by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The proposed work will incorporate secondary loops with FRET fluorophores into polymer networks, and use the FRET response to monitor the loop conformation and stress-relaxation, which can provide important information for studying network dynamics under nonequilibrium conditions. In addition, the loop can enhance chain entanglements and energy dissipation and can potentially improve the mechanical properties of the materials.

Project Date

Fall 2019

Search Terms

Advanced Materials, For Credit, Non-Credit, Funded, Non-Funded, STEM