August 24, 2012

Origami Inspires Research Into Materials That Self-Assemble When Exposed To Light




A multi-university research team led by North Carolina State University will be developing methods to create two-dimensional (2-D) materials capable of folding themselves into three-dimensional (3-D) objects when exposed to light. The effort, which is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), is inspired by origami and has a broad range of potential applications.

“We’re pulling together a diverse team of designers, engineers and mathematicians to advance our understanding of how to manipulate photoresponsive materials,” says Dr. Jan Genzer, Celanese Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State and the primary investigator under the NSF grant. “Ultimately, we hope to develop new techniques that have applications ranging from electronics to high-volume manufacturing to the delivery of humanitarian relief.” The NSF grant is for approximately $1.76 million over four years.