(371a) Multifunctional Polymer Structures: Enabling Technology for Miniaturized Devices

Polymer-based materials enable a broad range of applications from car bumpers to integrated circuitry. However, the current demands for device miniaturization coupled with enhanced performance, require novel polymeric structures with multifunctional properties. This talk will highlight several programs initiated at Sandia National Laboratories, where multifunctional polymers are being developed for emerging micro-device technologies, including 1) the design of extremely soft polymer gels; 2) the development of processable conductive polymers; 3) the investigation of high porosity polymeric scaffolds with controlled porous architectures, and; 4) the engineering of multifunctional polymeric composites. The polymer science has implications for a broad range of emerging micro-device technology including micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), sensors, flexible electronics, biotechnology, three-dimensional micro-electronics packaging, and energy storage applications. The talk will discuss critical technical challenges, promising materials approaches, and initial examples of program success.