MPS-Ascend Faculty Catalyst: Understanding Stimuli-Responsive Entangled Chain Networks Across Scales

Technical Abstract:
The stimuli-responsive behavior of polymers and other networks of flexible chains is governed by properties such as supramolecular interactions (including hydrogen bonding), entanglements, and system dynamics. This proposal aims to advance the fundamental understanding of stimuli-responsive materials by investigating the structure-function relationships in entangled polymer chains and fibrous systems across scales. To generate new knowledge in fundamental polymer science, this project will focus on three main objectives addressing the following research questions: (1) How is supramolecular hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) disrupted or promoted through interactions with other species? (2) How do the thermal properties and heating profile dynamically affect polymer morphology and its relationship to bulk behavior? and (3) How do random entanglements of Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) fiber “chains” contribute to motion in textiles? In parallel, this project will support the PI’s mission to foster a diverse and inclusive lab environment. Through mentorship, outreach, and research opportunities, the PI will expose a broad range of students to soft materials, cultivating a collaborative space for emerging talent. Additionally, this project will aid in the setup of the Sanchez (“Theory to Execution”) texlab and support the generation of preliminary data, positioning the PI to pursue future work aligned with DMR’s goals.

Non-Technical Abstract:
This proposal aims to advance the fundamental understanding of stimuli-responsive materials by investigating the structure-function relationships in entangled polymer chains and fibrous systems across scales. This project will support the PI’s mission to foster a diverse and inclusive lab environment. Through mentorship, outreach, and research opportunities, the PI will expose a broad range of students to soft materials, cultivating a collaborative space for emerging talent. Additionally, this project will aid in the setup of the Sanchez (“Theory to Execution”) texlab and support
the generation of preliminary data, positioning the PI to pursue future work aligned with DMR’s goals.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Award Number: 2502330
Principal Investigator: Vanessa Sanchez
Funds Obligated: $272,001
State: TX