# CAREER: Multi-scale Effects of Polymer Network Topology on Mechanical Properties

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Northwestern University at Chicago (IL) · $678,248

## Abstract

This Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award will advance fundamental understanding of why soft materials fracture and fail by considering the multi-scale structures that arise within polymer networks. Soft materials are widely used in large-volume applications such as tires, vibration isolation components, and seals, as well as in emerging technologies including biomedical devices and human–machine interfaces. Despite their widespread use, these materials often experience fracture and fatigue that limit their reliability and service lifetime, contributing to material waste, environmental pollution, and increased economic costs. The mechanical weakness of many soft materials originates from the topology of polymer networks—that is, how polymer chains connect, entangle, and organize in space. While prior studies have shown that molecular-scale features can influence resistance to fracture and fatigue, many engineering soft materials also contain structures at larger length scales, including nanoscale domains and embedded particles. The interactions between polymer topology and these multi-scale structures remain poorly understood, particularly in systems where features across several length scales simultaneously influence mechanical performance. This project will establish fundamental principles that connect polymer network topology, hierarchical structure, and mechanical durability in soft materials. In addition to advancing basic scientific knowledge, the results will support the development of more reliable and sustainable soft materials for technologies that rely on flexible mechanical components. This CAREER award will also support an integrated educational program that trains students in mechanics and polymer science, develops learning modules linking molecular structure to material properties, and engages students in interdisciplinary research experiences.

The CAREER project will support research aimed at establishing a mechanistic framework

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2540898
- **Awardee organization:** Northwestern University at Chicago (IL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KG76WYENL5K1
- **PI:** Junsoo Kim
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** SOLID MECHANICS, MATERIALS DESIGN, CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev
- **Estimated total:** $678,248
- **Funds obligated:** $678,248
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2026 → 08/31/2031

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2540898

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2540898, CAREER: Multi-scale Effects of Polymer Network Topology on Mechanical Properties. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-30 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2540898. Licensed CC0.

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