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Multifunctional Materials Research at CEAM is seeking to integrate multiple functions into fiber-reinforced polymers. Functionalities include tunable electromagnetic structures (i.e. negative index or left-handed materials), thermal transport, healing, and sensing abilities. Each of these components is addressed separately below but they are all closely related in terms of overall functionality of the composite. A fundamental aspect of this research is to integrate these functions without sacrificing the structural integrity of the overall material. Negative Index and Electromagnetically Tunable Materials Recent advances in electromagnetics have created methods of changing the dielectric constant as well as the index of refraction from negative through positive values. Such properties are the result of embedding periodic metal scattering elements into the material to create an effective medium response over desired frequency ranges. These functions have been integrated into traditional laminated polymer composites through various techniques. 
Healing and Thermal Functionality CEAM is integrating a healing functionality within the polymer phase of the fiber-reinforced composite. Highly cross-linked polymer matrices commonly used in fiber composites are known for their tendency to crack within the polymer regions of the material. The cracks are often among the first forms of mechanical damage in fiber-reinforced polymer composites. We are working to incorporate a novel polymer originally developed in the Wudl Research Group at UCLA. The polymer’s chemistry is such that damage in the form of broken covalent bonds within the polymer structure may be repaired through application of heat to initiate a retro Diels-Alder repair mechanism. This polymer will serve as the matrix phase of the composite. The healing functionality has been developed along with electromagnetic functionality. The integrated wire arrays may be simultaneously leveraged for conducting heat into the composite by resistive heating, thus activating the repair mechanism. In The Press Jacobs School News Letter, Spring 2005: Self-Healing Self-Sensing Supermaterial |
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