Abstract: From DNA to proteins, from cells to plants, biomaterials demonstrate superior functions by harvesting environmental resources for adaptive assemblies and actuations. The movement, whether passive or active, are largely dependent on amplification by geometry and material anisotropy in response to environmental cues. Inspired by nature, we create soft polymer networks with tailored molecular chemistry (e.g. liquid crystal mesogens, chiral dopants, and dynamic bonds), topology, and nanoscale anisotropy. Through geometric designs of the adaptive networks at micro- and macroscales and incorporation of 1D and 2D inorganic nanomaterials, we pre-program and reprogram material’s mechano-intelligence in response to light, heat, electric field, mechanical deformation and pressure. I will show several examples of potential applications, including shape morphing from 2D to 3D, soft robots, inflatable pixelated displays, and wound dressing.

Bio: Shu Yang is a Joseph Bordogna Professor of Engineering and Applied Science, Chair of the Department of Materials Science & Engineering, and Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at University of Pennsylvania. Her group is interested in synthesis, fabrication, and assembly of soft, responsive materials and composites. Coupling materials intrinsic properties with geometry and topology, the Yang group creates highly stretchable, super-conformable, and shape changing materials for potential applications, including coatings, structural colors, adhesives, smart windows, sensors, actuators for soft robotics, biomedical devices and smart buildings. Yang received her B.S. degree from Fudan University, and Ph.D. degree from Cornell University. She worked at Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies as a Member of Technical Staff before joining Penn. She received George H. Heilmeier Faculty Award for Excellence in Research from Penn Engineering and was selected as one of the world’s top 100 young innovators under age of 35 by MIT's Technology Review. She is a Fellow of Materials Research Society (MRS), Division of Soft Matter (DSOFT) from American Physical Society (APS), Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering from American Chemical Society (ACS), Royal Chemical Society, and National Academy of Inventors.