Dr. Yue (Jessica) Wang, PhD

We propose to develop impact-adaptive conducting polymers (IACPs)—a new class of stretchable conducting polymers with toughness that will scale with the rate of stretching. This unusual mechanical behavior can be achieved by creating an interpenetrated micelle (IPM) morphology in the solid-state. Such a microstructure creates two competing deformation mechanisms: one at IPM interfaces and one within IPM cores. The interplay between these two pathways can yield polymers that both defy the classical viscoelastic strain rate behavior and display adaptive mechanical properties. The results from this series of projects will be valuable assets to the fields of conjugated polymers, viscoelastic polymers, and wearable/on-skin electronics alike.