Freitag 15:00 Uhr - 16:00 Uhr FIT

livMatS Special Colloquium | Prof. Alison Dunn | Soft Surface Layers on Swollen Gels Mediate Their Contact and Sliding Mechanics

Abstract
Water content and mobility determine the properties and performance of hydrogels. At the surface of a hydrogel, the swelling causes a soft surface gradient layer due to the boundary with the open bath. We have developed methods to estimate the thickness and character of the gradient layers using instrumented probe techniques at the nanoscale and microscale. In this talk, I will highlight the ways in which this soft gradient layer redistributes the force applied in contacting situations, facilitates robust low friction, and allows for unique adhesive properties.

Bio
Alison C. Dunn is an associate professor in Mechanical Science & Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her laboratory aim is to emulate and exploit surface properties & structures to control sliding interfaces using experiments and theory. She works on soft materials like hydrogels and silicone, as well as insect cuticle and hardened steel. She won the NSF CAREER award in 2018 and the ASME Burt L. Newkirk Award in 2019.

Register to attend talk via Zoom