This research aims to advance calorimetry-based methods for qualifying and quantifying order in soft materials in both the solid and solution states. By qualifying, we mean determining the underlying state-of-order in the materials, by identifying the types and distribution of phases (amorphous or crystalline) and mesophases (rigid amorphous, liquid crystalline, etc.) in the material. We will leverage these measurements against other unique NIST capabilities including optical, X-ray, and neutron based methods. A key part of this research focuses on developing these methods for semiconducting polymers for flexible electronic applications; as for these materials it is critical to have knowledge of the quality and quantity of order to develop rational structure/property relationships for understanding and optimizing the performance of functional devices.

 

key words

Calorimetry; Crystallization; DSC; Mesophases; Organic electronics; Phases; Polymer; Scattering;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants