Amphiphilic Polymer Co-networks: Synthesis, Properties, Modelling and Applications
CHAPTER 9: Ultra-stretchable and Multi-responsive Tough Hydrogels Crosslinked by Triblock Copolymer Micelles
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Published:23 Apr 2020
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Special Collection: 2020 ebook collectionSeries: Polymer Chemistry Series
Jun Fu, Yuanna Sun, 2020. "Ultra-stretchable and Multi-responsive Tough Hydrogels Crosslinked by Triblock Copolymer Micelles", Amphiphilic Polymer Co-networks: Synthesis, Properties, Modelling and Applications, Costas S Patrickios
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This chapter reviews important and recent research on mechanically robust amphiphilic polymer co-networks based on α,ω-diacrylated Pluronic F127 [(ethylene glycol)99-b-(propylene glycol)65-b-(ethylene glycol)99] macro-crosslinker copolymerised with acrylamide. Due to the presence of the Pluronic macro-crosslinker, these co-networks are thermo-responsive. Moreover, they can also acquire salt- and pH-responsiveness via the incorporation of a cationic monomer, or both a cationic and an anionic monomer. Co-networks of the latter type, equilibrated in salt solution, could be actuated by an electric field, presenting a fast response and proving themselves as potential materials for use in sensors, actuators, switches and artificial muscles.