NSF East Asia and Pacific Summer Institute for FY 2012 in Australia

Milroy Craig A, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

This action funds Craig Andrew Milroy of the University of Texas, Austin to conduct a research project, entitled "Improving the properties of conductive polymers for biomaterials, renewable energy, and water purification membranes," during the summer of 2012 at the University of Wollongong in Wollongong, New South Wales. The host scientist is Professor Gordon Wallace. The Intellectual Merit is to improve the properties of conducting polymers for use in water-purification membranes, biomedical devices, and flexible electronics. The proposed research optimizes the electromechanical properties of a novel composite material that incorporates the electrical conductivity of polypyrrole and the elastic properties of polyurethane. Broader Impacts of an EAPSI fellowship include providing the Fellow a first-hand research experience outside the U.S.; an introduction to the science, science policy, and scientific infrastructure of the respective location; and an orientation to the society, culture and language. These activities meet the NSF goal to educate for international collaborations early in the career of its scientists, engineers, and educators, thus ensuring a globally aware U.S. scientific workforce. In addition, the lack of inexpensive high-performance materials currently places an enormous burden on industry and society. As such, this highly-conductive and elastic material under study could have immediate application as a tissue engineering scaffold for neural and cardiac tissue regrowth, as well as for ultra-high throughput separation and water-purification membranes, polymer battery electrodes, artificial muscles, high-strength textiles, implantable sensors, and high-performance clothing for defense, healthcare, and emergency services.