Figure 1. Layer-by-layer assembly schematic.

1. Internal Structure and Properties of Confined Layer-by-Layer Films and NanotubesJodie Lutkenhaus, Texas Engineering Experiment Station, DMR 1049706 Layer-by-layer (LbL) assemblies have many potential applications (energy storage, drug delivery, optical coatings), but their thermal properties are virtually unknown, which presents an obstacle towards their rational design and implementation. In this year, we have measured glass transitions in LbL assemblies using two different techniques for the first time. This information sheds light on the structure of LbL assemblies and their formation. The techniques that we have applied to LbL assemblies are quite general and can be used for any LbL system. 1.Vidyasagar, A., Sung, C., Gamble, R., & Lutkenhaus, J. L., ACS Nano 6 (7), 6174-6184 (2012). 2.Sung, C., Vidyasagar, A., Hearn, K., & Lutkenhaus, J.L.,. Langmuir 28 (21), 8100-8109 (2012). Figure 1. Layer-by-layer assembly schematic. Figure 2. Hydrogen-bonded LbL assemblies and their glass transition measured using ellipsometry. Figure 3. A glass transition measured using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation

2. Internal Structure and Properties of Confined Layer-by-Layer Films and NanotubesJodie Lutkenhaus, Texas Engineering Experiment Station, DMR 1049706 Two undergraduates (Mr. Randall Gamble and Ms. Katelin Hearn) working on the project were coauthors on two peer-reviewed publications. One graduate student and one post-doctoral research associate were involved in the project. The PI co-organized a symposium on “Polyelectrolyte Complexes and Multilayers” at the American Chemical Society National Meeting in Denver, CO. The PI was a speaker for the Society of Women Engineers High School Conference at Texas A&M University.