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.