Dynamic Hybrid Materials
Subtitle: Hydrogel Actuators and Catalytic Microsystems
Contributors: Aizenberg, Joanna; Cohen, Adam; Suo, Zhigang
Published: 2013
Language: eng
Description: Dynamic materials which can sense changes in their surroundings and subsequently respond or adapt by autonomously altering their functionality, surface chemistry, transparency, color, wetting behavior, adhesiveness, shape, etc. are primed to be integral components of future "smart" technologies. However, such systems can be quite complex and often require intricate coordination between both chemical and mechanical inputs/outputs as well as the combination of multiple materials working cooperatively to achieve the proper functionality. It is critical to not only understand the fundamental behaviors of existing dynamic chemo-mechanical systems, but also to apply that knowledge and explore new avenues for design of novel materials platforms which could provide a basis for future adaptive technologies.
Notes: Keywords: actuators, hydrogels, multiphoton lithography, smart materials.

Thesis Ph.D. Harvard University 2013