University of Massachusetts

Carnegie Mellon University

Other

Michael D Bartlett

Alfred J Crosby

Daniel W King

Carmel Majidi

Duncan J Irschick

Eric J Markvicka

Navid Kazem

Andrew Lewis Fassler

Andrew B Croll

Matthew J Powell-Palm

Jonathan A Malen

Gierad Laput

Lining Yao

Yi-Chin Lee

Guanyun Wang

A method for synthesizing a thermally conductive and stretchable elastomer composite comprises mixing liquid metal and soft material (e.g., elastomer) in a centrifugal or industrial shear mixer under conditions such that the liquid metal forms microscale liquid metal droplets that are dispersed in the soft elastomer. Liquid metal-embedded elastomers, or 'LMEEs,' formed in this manner dramatically increase the fracture energy of soft materials up to 50 times over an unfilled polymer. This extreme toughening is achieved by means of (i) increasing energy dissipation, (ii) adaptive crack movement, and (iii) effective elimination of the crack tip. Such properties arise from the deformability and dynamic rearrangement of the LM inclusions during loading, providing a new mechanism to not only prevent crack initiation, but also resist the propagation of existing tears for ultra-tough, highly functional soft materials.

Method of synthesizing a thermally conductive and stretchable polymer composite

An efficient fabrication technique, including an optional design step, is used to create highly customizable wearable electronics. The method of fabrication utilizes rapid laser machining and adhesion-controlled soft materials. The method produces well-aligned, multi-layered materials created from 2D and 3D elements that stretch and bend while seamlessly integrating with rigid components such as microchip integrated circuits (IC), discrete electrical components, and interconnects. The design step can be used to create a 3D device that conforms to different-shaped body parts. These techniques are applied using commercially available materials. These methods enable custom wearable electronics while offering versatility in design and functionality for a variety of bio-monitoring applications.

Method of producing untethered, stretchable, and wearable electronic devices

Soft-matter technologies are essential for emerging applications in wearable computing, human-machine interaction, and soft robotics. However, as these technologies gain adoption in society and interact with unstructured environments, material and structure damage becomes inevitable. A robotic material that mimics soft tissues found in biological systems may be used to identify, compute, and respond to damage. This material includes liquid metal droplets dispersed in soft elastomers that rupture when damaged to create electrically conductive pathways that are identified with a soft active-matrix grid. These technologies may be used to autonomously identify damage, calculate severity, and respond to prevent failure within robotic systems.

Multi-site damage sensing and localization soft-matter electronics and related systems and methods

Disclosed herein is a composite comprising an elastomer with an embedded network of liquid metal inclusions. The composite retains similar flexibility to that of an elastomer but exhibits electrical and thermal properties that differ from the properties of a homogeneous elastomer. The composite has applications for wearable devices and other soft matter electronics, among others.

Polymer composite with liquid phase metal inclusions

Disclosed herein is an efficient fabrication approach to create highly customizable wearable electronics through rapid laser machining and adhesion-controlled soft materials assembly. Well-aligned, multi-layered materials can be created from 2D and 3D elements that stretch and bend while seamlessly integrating with rigid components such as microchip integrated circuits (IC), discrete electrical components, and interconnects. These techniques are applied using commercially available materials. These materials and methods enable custom wearable electronics while offering versatility in design and functionality for a variety of bio-monitoring applications.

Soft, multilayered electronics for wearable devices and methods to produce the same

The invention provides novel devices, systems, designs, materials and fabrication methods that enable high-load capacity, easy release, and suitable for extended/repeated use in a variety of applications.

High capacity easy release extended use adhesive devices

The invention provides unique releasable adhesive devices that are high-load bearing and highly stable while allowing adjustment of the weight-bearing angle in a wide range, thereby greatly expanding the scope of applications for technology. Adhesive systems and devices of the invention can be designed to fit applications ranging from household weight-bearing shelves and holders, components for transportation, athletic equipment, labels and advertising posts, automobile interior trims, permanent or reversible fasteners, as well as instruments and devices for industrial, commercial, medical or military applications.

Weight-bearing adhesives with adjustable angles

The invention provides unique releasable adhesive devices and related methods that are capable of simultaneously adhering to two or multiple target surfaces of various nature and allow high load capacity, are reusable, easy release and suitable for extended and repeated use.

Double- and multi-sided adhesive devices

Unique designs, devices, systems, materials and fabrication methods are provided including adhesive closure devices that are easily released and are suitable for extended/repeated use in a variety of applications.

High capacity easy release extended use adhesive closure devices

Gecko-like adhesive application devices suited for dynamic applications are disclosed, where the device can be easily applied to target substrates, exhibiting a firm hold, and subsequently released therefrom. Gecko-like adhesive application devices that are suited for sustained holding after easy application (e.g., on vertical or inclined surfaces or ceiling) also are disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Amherst, MA, United States of America

Michael D Bartlett