Combinatorial Approaches to Intelligent Surfaces by Polymer Grafting

NIST only participates in the February and August reviews.

The development of nanomaterials, biomaterials, sensor films, and surface measurement methods require well-defined substrates that vary in relevant surface parameters. This project employs combinatorial gradients, arrays, and patterned surfaces of grafted polymers to generate robust, information-rich substrates for (1) the understanding/control of film behavior, and stimulus-responsive interfaces and (2) development of new bio- and nanometrology tools. In particular, we creatively harness microfluidic technology, basic microfabrication tools such as imprinting, and controlled surface-polymerization to produce complex surfaces which provide multivariate insight into the kinetics and thermodynamics of surface chemistry, phase ordering, mechanical properties, and other surface phenomena. We are particularly interested in the response to temperature, solvents, radiation, pH, ionic strength, biomolecules, and impact on thin polymer film behavior. High-throughput characterization methods include spectroscopy, optical and scanned probe microscopy, scattering, reflectivity, ellipsometry, and contact angle measurements. See http://www.nist.gov/mml/polymers/combi.cfm/ .

Biotechnology; Combinatorial; Controlled polymerization; Nanotechnology; Sensors; Surfaces;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens