This $424,324 National Science Foundation project grant supports research at the University of Illinois to advance fundamental understanding of the relationship between double network hydrogel microstructure and frictional characteristics. The grant is part of NSF's $47.041 million Engineering research and education program.
Specifically, the grant will fund experiments and modeling to elucidate lubrication mechanisms in physically and chemically crosslinked double network hydrogels. Researchers will conduct friction, adhesion, and rheological measurements to probe multiple dissipation mechanisms as a function of hydrogel composition. Comparison of experimental and modeling results aims to clarify underlying structure-property relationships governing hydrogel friction. Outcomes seek to discover materials achieving low friction coefficients and wear resistance through precise microstructural control. The two-year project commenced January 1, 2023 and aims to provide insights applicable to biomaterials, soft robotics, and fundamental soft matter tribology.
Generated 1/6/24, 3:54 PM