Complex Functional Materials

Complex functional materials are materials comprised of multiple components or building blocks that are integrated or chemically bound together to achieve a desired function or response. Soft materials, such as polymers, as well as structural properties at the mesoscale and micro-scale that control materials function are particularly emphasized in this area of leadership. Further, complex functional materials must generally be developed to satisfy multiple criteria essential to the overall application. Thus, this area of leadership supports applications that are aligned with all three Los Alamos National Laboratory mission areas of energy security, global security, and nuclear deterrence.