Chemically and mechanically responsive conducting polymers

ORGN 392

Timothy M. Swager, Department of Chemistry and Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, Cambridge, MA 02139
I will discuss our efforts in the design of conducting polymers to be used as sensory and actuating materials. For sensory materials I will describe how we utilize molecular recognition events to product changes in conductivity. The role of dimensionality has important consequences for sensitivity and I will detail approaches to create insulated nanoscopic conduction pathways. I will present novel electroactive materials for actuator applications. In this effort we have developed new mechanisms for causing large dimensional changes in polymers by design of mechanical linkages and electronic properties. Actuator applications are very demanding and require the integration of multiple materials and I will present methods for the creation of carbon nanotube/conducting polymer hybrids.