Manufacturing Publications Free to Qualified Professionals

Seattle, WA, USA--(Jobwerx)--APRIL 14, 2005--Shape-memory and photovoltaic polymers have been receiving increasing attention because of their scientific and technological significance. The ability of polymers to form different pre-determined temporary shapes and subsequently recover their original shape at ambient temperatures by ultraviolet light illumination could lead to a variety of potential medical and many other applications. In addition, investors see a significant benefit in commercializing renewable energy materials like polymer photovoltaic products.

The shape changers are a new family of photosensitive plastics materials that have shape-memory by having light shined on them or by heat exposure. Plastic materials can return to their original form when hit with a blast of ultraviolet light.

The shape-changing ability is accomplished by attaching photosensitive molecules to a polymer. When exposed to ultraviolet light, the photosensitive particles become active and link to one another, changing the shape of the plastic. Exposing it to light of a slightly different frequency reverses the first reaction, allowing the plastic to return to its original shape.

Several groups and businesses are working on heat and light-induced shape-memory polymers, including, The Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts - GKSS Research Center Geesthacht GmbH, Institute of Chemistry, Teltow, Germany and Ecology Coatings, Akron, Ohio.

In addition, Konarka Technologies, Lowell, Mass., the leading developer of polymer photovoltaic products that provide a source of renewable power, is an innovator in developing and commercializing power plastics that convert light to energy. Konarka's photovoltaic nanotechnology is focused on delivering lightweight, flexible, scalable and manufacturable products.

The new photovoltaics developed by Konarka use tiny solar cells embedded in thin sheets of plastics to create an energy-producing material that is cheap, efficient and versatile.

Nobel Laureate Professor Alan Heeger (UC Santa Barbara) is the chief scientist for Konarka, and Dr. Michael Grätzel (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) is a senior scientific advisor.

With the combination of such research from Educational Institutions and Innovative Companies like these and others, nanotechnology regarding light activated shape changing plastics and photovoltaic polymers will lead to new roles in manufacturing, medical and scientific applications.

Haven't found what you're looking for? Try 'Search' powered by : Search for MIT, GKSS Research Center, Ecology Coatings, Konarka Technologies