This $336,240 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) supports fundamental research by Northeastern University to investigate the role of topological defects in regulating strain-induced crystallization in end-linked polymer networks. The project aims to combine experimental and modeling approaches to understand the microscale mechanisms and macroscale mechanical properties, including stress-strain behavior, fracture, and fatigue, of these advanced soft materials. The research is expected to enable the development of novel strong and tough polymers suitable for applications in soft robotics, medical devices, and wearable electronics. In addition to the technical research, the award will introduce students to industrial needs through a university-industry workshop and integrate the findings into undergraduate coursework and outreach programs to engage a diverse group of students. This award reflects NSF's mission to advance scientific knowledge and technological innovations, and it has been deemed worthy of support based on the project's intellectual merit and broader societal impacts.
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