Bottlebrush Supersoft Elastomers

Soft robotics and stretchable electronics are rapidly advancing engineering fields that draw heavily on how nature designed living organisms to conduct complex motions and processes. However, suitable soft substrates for integrating stiff sensors, actuators, and computation into soft materials are limited. To address this challenge, we aim to synthesize novel, biodegradable materials with mechanical properties to match living tissues. To achieve this goal, the we plan to design and prepare a unique library of ultra-low stiffness, phosphorus-based bottlebrush polymers with complete molecular control over mechanical and chemical properties and degradation rates. These polymers will bridge the gap to soft, firm, and durable without dependence on volatile solvents. This research introduces an entirely new family of phosphorus-based bottlebrush polymers to the field, offering chemical versatility and molecular control over mechanical properties and degradation rates required for the next generation of supersoft materials