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Smart Polymers: Stimuli-Responsive Transformation in Carbon Nanotube/Expanding Microsphere-Polymer Composites

Detailed Technology Description

University of Louisville researchers have developedstimuli-responsive polymer composites, comprised of thermally-expandingmicrospheres and heat-absorbing nanomaterials dispersed within an elastomericmatrix, with the ability to unidirectionally transform physical dimensions,elastic modulus, density, and electrical resistance.

*Abstract

Smart Polymers   

Stimuli-Responsive Transformation in Carbon Nanotube/ExpandingMicrosphere-Polymer Composites

RDF #13018

Highlights

• Moldable into any shape, and increasesdimensions upon application of thermal energy;
• Enables large dimensional changes in polymer composite films through thermal stimulus;
• Can befabricated as 2-D sheets for portability, then expand into 3-D structures atthe point of use;
• Allowsfor tunable electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties (both pre- andpost-expansion).

 *This Technology is available for licensing, further development, or industrial partnering*

CONTACT: thinker@louisville.edu / 502.852.2965 / Attn.: RDF#13018

    

Technology

There isgrowing need for efficient and economical drug delivery systems. This, combinedwith the innovative use of smart polymers in the automotive industry, havecontributed to the growing demand for smart or stimuli-responsive polymers.

To addressthat demand, University of Louisville researchers have developedstimuli-responsive polymer composites, comprised of thermally-expandingmicrospheres and heat-absorbing nanomaterials dispersed within an elastomericmatrix, with the ability to unidirectionally transform physical dimensions,elastic modulus, density, and electrical resistance.

Thecombination of high-strength, light-weight, and large elastic energies givethem diverse potential applications ranging from high-end sports equipment toartificial muscles in humanoid robots.

The abilityto pattern regions of tailorable expansion, strength, and electrical resistanceinto a single polymer skin, plus its elastomer matrix and resulting binary setof material properties present a myriad of applications, including but notlimited to the following:

•  Structural health monitoring of aircraft and ships;
• Deformable elements for flight control surfaces;
• Deformable mirror and antennae surfaces on space craft;
• Strain sensing for roads and bridges; machinery vibrationcontrol systems;
• Biomedical applications (micro pumps, targeted delivery,stents, etc.);
• And structural panels and thermally insulating tiles forbuildings.

  

Image (above): To-scale cutaway showing size relationship between initial and expanded microspheres. b, SEM of loose unexpanded microspheres (average diameter of 7.1 ± 1.9 µm), c, SEM of loose expanded microspheres (average diameter of 17.8 ± 3.8 µm).

     

Technology Status

• IP Status: Published Non-Provisional US National Stage 14/766,612
• Development Status:Prototype developed and tested
• Fields of Use Available:All
•  Publications: LoomisJ., Xu P., and Panchapakesan B., 2013, "Stimuli-responsive transformationincarbon nanotube/expanding microsphere-polymer composites," Nanotechnology 24 185703

    

Inventors:

• BalajiPanchapakesan, Ph.D.
• JamesLoomis, Ph.D.

Country/Region

USA