Polymer Gels for Defense Applications

Abstract

A polymer gel is a physically or chemically cross-linked polymer that is highly swollen by solvent. The gel properties can be tuned by varying the polymer chemistry, solvent type, polymer-solvent architecture and molecular weight, and solvent loading. In addition, small molecule additives and fillers can be incorporated into the gel formulation to enhance the properties further. This tunability offers the potential for gel implementation in an array of Army related technologies ranging from combat casualty care and tissue surrogates, to robotics and electronics devices. Several obstacles hinder widespread deployment of gel-based technologies including: (1) limited operational temperature windows and material lifetimes; (2) poor toughness and durability; (3) unstable performance in extreme mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation environments; and (4) limited multi-functional capability. We anticipate that a fundamental understanding of how to tailor the gel properties will have a broad impact on various technologies including robotics, smart clothing, armor, tissue simulants, sensors, energy storage, battlefield medicine, etc.