Akron Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On May 15, U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) announced a $428,000 National Science Foundation grant awarded to the University of Akron through the Division of Materials Research to explore a design strategy for developing a new class of fully polymeric hydrogels that possess inherent anti-freezing properties and enhanced mechanical strength without requiring anti-freeze additives.

“The University of Akron has been a trailblazer in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, ranking number one in the nation. It is no surprise the National Science Foundation has entrusted this dynamic institution to conduct this groundbreaking research,” said Rep. Sykes. “As a member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, I am uniquely familiar with the multi-disciplinary and far-reaching value this research will bring to the University of Akron. This will be a valuable learning experience for undergraduate and graduate students, preparing them to become future leaders in the areas of polymer chemistry/physics, molecular simulations, and engineering design.”

“Dr. Zheng’s development of new materials with anti-freezing properties could pave the way for better functioning state-of-the-art electronic components at subzero temperatures. Importantly, work on the project also will provide a valuable hands-on learning experience in the area of engineered materials for University of Akron graduate and undergraduate students, giving them a competitive advantage in the job market,” said Dean Suzanne B. Bausch, Ph.D., Vice President, Research & Business Engagement, University of Akron.

Project Description: Icing is a natural phenomenon that plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth, but unwanted icing can cause severe economic, environmental, and life-threatening consequences. Conventional anti-freezing materials, such as ice-phobic water-free organics or hydrophilic hydrogels containing anti-freezing additives, often suffer from weak mechanical properties under subzero temperatures, which limits their practical applications. To address this issue, this research will explore a design strategy for developing a new class of fully polymeric hydrogels that possess inherent anti-freezing properties and enhanced mechanical strength without requiring antifreeze additives. A successful project could pave the way for a new family of anti-freezing hydrogels with diverse structures and other built-in functions for different applications under subzero temperatures, including flexible supercapacitors, soft robotics, electronic skin, and wearable devices. Additionally, the PI will also introduce experimental and computational components to the curriculum to enhance student learning of engineered materials and promote the field of hydrogel-based materials by organizing international conferences, special journal issues, and STEM student activities.

Original source can be found here.