CAREER: Shear Response of Polymers Grafted to Membranes

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CTS-9501946 Edith Sevick University of Colorado The career development plan involves three areas of research: polymer brushes as microvalves, electrophoretic separations using microlithographic arrays of polyelectrolyte chains, and adsorption of surfactants onto a model clay suspension. The focus of the research will be on the design, modeling and construction of a novel microvalve system, consisting of polymer chains end-grafted onto pores several nanometers in diameter. The microvalves impart unique flow control to the membrane without mechanical parts or feedback control loops. Understanding how the adsorbed polymer brushes sense and respond to flow under different geometry's may lead to unique membranes with flow-dependent properties. Potential applications include filtration and controlled drug release. The educational plan involves the development of a graduate course in statistical mechanics, and the introduction of computer simulation and process simulators to the undergraduate curriculum.