Smart Polymers
Smart polymers: Where science and adaptability merge for a flexible future Smart polymers, also known as stimuli-responsive or intelligent polymers, are a class of materials that exhibit unique and reversible changes in their properties in response to external stimuli. These polym ers have gained significant attention in various fields, including biomedicine, nanotechnology, and materials science, due to their versatile applications. Let's delve into an elaborate explanation of types of smart polymers, and their applications: Types of Smart Polymers: 1. Temperature-Responsive Polymers (Thermoresponsive): These polymers undergo a reversible phase transition in response to changes in temperature. A common example is poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), which is hydrophilic below its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and hydrophobic above it. Thermoresponsive polymers find use in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and chromatography. 2. pH-Responsive Polymers: pH-sensitive ...