Themed collection Polymer Networks

44 items
Editorial

Introduction to polymer networks

Yukikazu Takeoka introduces the Soft Matter and Polymer Chemistry cross-journal themed collection on polymer networks.

Graphical abstract: Introduction to polymer networks
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Review Article

Materials development in stretchable iontronics

By classifying stretchable ionic materials into three types of components (ionic conductors, ionic semiconductors, and ionic insulators), we summarized materials development in stretchable iontronics in terms of molecular interactions.

Graphical abstract: Materials development in stretchable iontronics
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Communication

Photoinduced deformation of amorphous polyimide enabled by an improved azobenzene isomerization efficiency

A newly designed azo-PI, without pre-stretching or polarized-light irradiation, exhibits reversible bending behaviors under alternate UV and visible light irradiation, providing a facile route to deformable 2D/3D structure actuators.

Graphical abstract: Photoinduced deformation of amorphous polyimide enabled by an improved azobenzene isomerization efficiency
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Communication

Thermoresponsive ionogels with switchable adhesion in air and aqueous environments induced by LCST phase behavior

We report a thermoresponsive ionogel with switchable adhesion both in air and aqueous environments, which can be utilized for the underwater on demand capture and release.

Graphical abstract: Thermoresponsive ionogels with switchable adhesion in air and aqueous environments induced by LCST phase behavior
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Open Access Communication

Reinforcement of ultrahigh thermoresistant polybenzimidazole films by hard craters

Ultrahigh thermoresistant polybenzimidazole films with uniform pores and hard craters on the surface were prepared by a silica template method. The pore and crater formation enhanced elongation and Young's modulus.

Graphical abstract: Reinforcement of ultrahigh thermoresistant polybenzimidazole films by hard craters
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Open Access Communication

Controlling the dynamics of elastomer networks with multivalent brush architectures

A method for lowering the activation energy of melting while improving the mechanical robustness of an elastomer was achieved using bottlebrush topologies. This system has the potential to realize self-healing materials with enhanced processability.

Graphical abstract: Controlling the dynamics of elastomer networks with multivalent brush architectures
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Single microgel degradation governed by heterogeneous nanostructures

The real-time visualization via high-speed atomic force microscopy revealed that single microgel exhibit heterogeneous degradation behavior.

Graphical abstract: Single microgel degradation governed by heterogeneous nanostructures
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Relatively homogeneous network structures of temperature-responsive gels synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization

DLS measurements revealed that temperature-responsive gels prepared by ATRP have more homogeneous networks than those by free radical polymerization. The standard deviation of the scattered intensity is used to quantify the network inhomogeneity.

Graphical abstract: Relatively homogeneous network structures of temperature-responsive gels synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Environmentally responsive hydrogel composites for dynamic body thermoregulation

Environmentally responsive hydrogel composites embedded with submicron-sized spherical silica particles for the modulation of the mid-infrared radiation derived from the Bragg reflection are therein designed for personalized body thermoregulation.

Graphical abstract: Environmentally responsive hydrogel composites for dynamic body thermoregulation
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Three-dimensional liquid crystal polymer actuators assembled by athermal photo-welding

We propose a strategy based on athermal photo-welding to construct 3D actuators assembled by azobenzene-containing linear liquid crystal polymers with different orientations, which demonstrate diverse deformations of curling, winding, and unwinding.

Graphical abstract: Three-dimensional liquid crystal polymer actuators assembled by athermal photo-welding
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Open Access Paper

Controlling mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight ion gels by chemical structure of ionic liquids and monomers

The effect of ionic liquid and monomer structures on the mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight ion gels was investigated.

Graphical abstract: Controlling mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight ion gels by chemical structure of ionic liquids and monomers
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Preparation of a novel regenerated silk fibroin-based hydrogel for extrusion bioprinting

A bio-printable hydrogel of regenerated silk fibroin with high-molecular-weight was prepared from its aqueous solution with the help of urea involvement, and the gelation process and properties of the hydrogel was investigated.

Graphical abstract: Preparation of a novel regenerated silk fibroin-based hydrogel for extrusion bioprinting
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Temperature- and strain-dependent transient microstructure and rheological responses of endblock-associated triblock gels of different block lengths in a midblock selective solvent

Using RheoSAXS, the change in microstructure of PMMA-PnBA-PMMA triblock gels in 2-ethyl-1-hexanol subjected to oscillatory shear and temperature has been characterized.

Graphical abstract: Temperature- and strain-dependent transient microstructure and rheological responses of endblock-associated triblock gels of different block lengths in a midblock selective solvent
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Ionic shape memory polymer gels as multifunctional sensors

The wearable shape memory multifunctional sensor array is capable of sensing both direction and quantity of bending displacement and velocity.

Graphical abstract: Ionic shape memory polymer gels as multifunctional sensors
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Effective pH-regulated release of covalently conjugated antibiotics from antibacterial hydrogels

pH-regulated release of antibiotics is achieved by conjugation with the hydrogel matrix through the reversible imine bond.

Graphical abstract: Effective pH-regulated release of covalently conjugated antibiotics from antibacterial hydrogels
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Molecular dynamics study of the swelling and osmotic properties of compact nanogel particles

Molecular architecture of nanogel particle.

Graphical abstract: Molecular dynamics study of the swelling and osmotic properties of compact nanogel particles
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Dually-dynamic covalent tetraPEG hydrogels end-linked with boronate ester and acylhydrazone groups

TetraPEG hydrogels cross-linked via both boronic acid ester and acylhydrazone dynamic covalent bonds were developed. Adjustment of the fraction of each type of cross-link allows the fine-tuning of hydrogel behavior between self-repair and stability.

Graphical abstract: Dually-dynamic covalent tetraPEG hydrogels end-linked with boronate ester and acylhydrazone groups
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Effect of anions on the phase transition temperature of two structurally isomeric polymers: poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)

In chaotropic solution, the different lower critical solution temperature (LCST) increments of two structural isomers, namely, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPOx), is studied.

Graphical abstract: Effect of anions on the phase transition temperature of two structurally isomeric polymers: poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Open Access Paper

An extreme toughening mechanism for soft materials

This work utilizes a combined effort of experiment and theory to report a new mechanism and scaling law to account for extreme toughening of diverse soft materials.

Graphical abstract: An extreme toughening mechanism for soft materials
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Interfacial self-assembly of SiO2–PNIPAM core–shell particles with varied crosslinking density

The effect of crosslinker content and core size on the interfacial self-assembly of batch-type PNIPAM@SiO2 core–shell particles was studied, revealing parameter windows for chain phases, rhomboid packing and stable d = 448 nm non-close packed cores.

Graphical abstract: Interfacial self-assembly of SiO2–PNIPAM core–shell particles with varied crosslinking density
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Tailoring intermolecular interactions in ion gels with rationally designed phosphonic acid polymers

Design strategies of phosphonic acid polymers established advanced ion gels with high ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, and self-healing ability via a configurable balance of ionic and hydrogen bonding interactions at the molecular level.

Graphical abstract: Tailoring intermolecular interactions in ion gels with rationally designed phosphonic acid polymers
From the themed collection: Polymer Chemistry Recent HOT Articles
Paper

Effects of cyclic and acyclic amidine side-chains on the properties of polysiloxane ionomers constructed in situ from three uncharged components

Small structural changes to side chain groups have large consequences to the structures and dynamics of corresponding polysiloxane-based ionomers.

Graphical abstract: Effects of cyclic and acyclic amidine side-chains on the properties of polysiloxane ionomers constructed in situ from three uncharged components
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Open Access Paper

One-pot synthesis of structure-controlled temperature-responsive polymer gels

The simultaneous use of metal Lewis acids and photo-radical generators for dithioesters, which are the common dormant species for cationic and radical polymerization, made it possible to convert a cationic species into a radical by photoirradiation.

Graphical abstract: One-pot synthesis of structure-controlled temperature-responsive polymer gels
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Shrinking rates of polymer gels composed of star-shaped polymers of N-isopropylacrylamide and dimethylacrylamide copolymers: the effect of dimethylacrylamide on the crosslinking network

The effects of monomer arrangement and composition for star-shaped polymers composed of N-isopropylacrylamide and N,N-dimethylacrylamide on the shrinkage behavior of the gels is studied, to increase their shrinkage rates without reducing the network densities of the gels.

Graphical abstract: Shrinking rates of polymer gels composed of star-shaped polymers of N-isopropylacrylamide and dimethylacrylamide copolymers: the effect of dimethylacrylamide on the crosslinking network
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Synergetic improvement in the mechanical properties of polyurethanes with movable crosslinking and hydrogen bonds

The synergetic effect of the movable crosslinking and the hydrogen bonds in γCDMe(x)PU contributed to the simultaneous increase in the mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus and toughness.

Graphical abstract: Synergetic improvement in the mechanical properties of polyurethanes with movable crosslinking and hydrogen bonds
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Time–strain inseparability in multiaxial stress relaxation of supramolecular gels formed via host–guest interactions

Time and strain effects on stress are not separable in supramolecular gels utilizing host–guest interactions in contrast to a dual cross-link gel with covalent and transient cross-links in which the separability was validated by the same assessment.

Graphical abstract: Time–strain inseparability in multiaxial stress relaxation of supramolecular gels formed via host–guest interactions
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Bond strength regime dictates stress relaxation behavior

This work utilizes in situ crosslinked dynamic networks to show differences in stress-relaxation behavior depending on the bond strength of the metal–ligand crosslinker used.

Graphical abstract: Bond strength regime dictates stress relaxation behavior
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Biomass-derived isosorbide-based thermoresponsive hydrogel for drug delivery

Bio-based hydrogel films are fabricated by reacting a glycerol ethoxylate-based triazide and an isosorbide-based dialkyne via Cu(I)-catalyzed photo-click reaction. These materials are suitable candidates for the delivery of therapeutic molecules.

Graphical abstract: Biomass-derived isosorbide-based thermoresponsive hydrogel for drug delivery
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Strength of fluid-filled soft composites across the elastofracture length

This work probes the mechanical strength of composite hydrogels as the assembly size scale of the hydrophobic secondary phase transitions across the elastofracture length.

Graphical abstract: Strength of fluid-filled soft composites across the elastofracture length
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Brownian simulations for tetra-gel-type phantom networks composed of prepolymers with bidisperse arm length

Using Brownian dynamics simulations, we studied the mechanical properties of tetra-gel-type networks with varying arm length contrast of prepolymers to modulate the number of double linkages.

Graphical abstract: Brownian simulations for tetra-gel-type phantom networks composed of prepolymers with bidisperse arm length
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Synthesis of degradable double network gels using a hydrolysable cross-linker

Biodegradable double network (DN) gels with remarkably high mechanical strength and toughness were synthesised. The biodegradable DN gels can be potentially applied in biomedical applications such as cartilage regeneration.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of degradable double network gels using a hydrolysable cross-linker
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Fabrication of a tunable photothermal actuator via in situ oxidative polymerization of polydopamine nanoparticles in hydrogel bilayers

In situ oxidative polymerization of polydopamine in a hydrogel matrix enables tunable photothermal actuation of a hydrogel actuator.

Graphical abstract: Fabrication of a tunable photothermal actuator via in situ oxidative polymerization of polydopamine nanoparticles in hydrogel bilayers
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Linking microscopic structural changes and macroscopic mechanical responses in a near-ideal bottlebrush elastomer under uniaxial deformation

Structural changes and mechanical responses of a model bottlebrush elastomer with a controlled network structure were investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering coupled with uniaxial tensile testing.

Graphical abstract: Linking microscopic structural changes and macroscopic mechanical responses in a near-ideal bottlebrush elastomer under uniaxial deformation
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Interpenetrated triple network polymers: synergies of three different dynamic bonds

Triply interpenetrated networks were made with a unique dynamic linker in each network. The linkers were hydrogen bonds, boronic esters and Diels–Alder adducts. Triply dynamic materials had superior properties compared to doubly dynamic analogues.

Graphical abstract: Interpenetrated triple network polymers: synergies of three different dynamic bonds
From the themed collection: Polymer Chemistry Lectureship Winners
Paper

Structure–property correlation of crosslinked domain hydrogels exhibiting thermoresponsive mechanical toughening and hybridization with photoluminescent carbon dots

A smart gel material exhibiting a simultaneous change in mechanical properties and photoluminescence is developed.

Graphical abstract: Structure–property correlation of crosslinked domain hydrogels exhibiting thermoresponsive mechanical toughening and hybridization with photoluminescent carbon dots
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Core–shell microgels having zwitterionic hydrogel core and temperature-responsive shell prepared via inverse miniemulsion RAFT polymerization

The temperature-responsive core–shell microgels comprising PMPC core and side-chain oligo(ethylene glycol) polymer shell were prepared via inverse miniemulsion RAFT polymerization using a water-soluble emulsifier with RAFT agent terminus.

Graphical abstract: Core–shell microgels having zwitterionic hydrogel core and temperature-responsive shell prepared via inverse miniemulsion RAFT polymerization
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Linking cavitation and fracture to molecular scale structural damage of model networks

Needle-induced cavitation is performed on model end-linked gels to experimentally determine when soft solids will fail through either cavitation or fracture. Attention is also paid to when cavitation damages the network structure.

Graphical abstract: Linking cavitation and fracture to molecular scale structural damage of model networks
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Ionic group-dependent structure of complex coacervate hydrogels formed by ABA triblock copolymers

We investigated the effect of ion pairs on the structure of complex coacervate core hydrogels (C3Gs) using small-angle X-ray/neutron scattering. The ratio between ammonium and guanidinium groups modulates both structure and salt-responsiveness of C3Gs as stimuli-responsive materials.

Graphical abstract: Ionic group-dependent structure of complex coacervate hydrogels formed by ABA triblock copolymers
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Mechanochromic elastomers with different thermo- and mechano-responsive radical-type mechanophores

Mechanochromic elastomers with different thermo- and mechano-responsive radical-type mechanophores are prepared and their sensitivity to heat and mechanical force is investigated.

Graphical abstract: Mechanochromic elastomers with different thermo- and mechano-responsive radical-type mechanophores
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Strain-stiffening seal

A strain-stiffening seal is soft to accommodate installation but stiff to block fluid flow. Leak by elastic deformation or rupture? We construct diagrams in which the two modes of leak are demarcated.

Graphical abstract: Strain-stiffening seal
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Visible light triggered controlled formation of rapidly self-healing hydrogels based on thiol–disulfide exchange

Biodegradable disulfide-crosslinked hydrogels were constructed via the visible light triggered thiol–disulfide exchange reaction under mild gelation conditions, and the hydrogel coatings could be rapidly self-healed in 10 min under ambient conditions.

Graphical abstract: Visible light triggered controlled formation of rapidly self-healing hydrogels based on thiol–disulfide exchange
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Chiral graphene-based supramolecular hydrogels toward tumor therapy

D-Phenylalanine-based (DPFEG) hydrogel co-assembled with GO and its handedness reversal induced the selective delivery of chiral anticancer drugs under IR irradiation for tumor therapy.

Graphical abstract: Chiral graphene-based supramolecular hydrogels toward tumor therapy
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Multi-level encryption of information in morphing hydrogels with patterned fluorescence

We describe a strategy to improve information security by combining shape morphing and patterned fluorescence in a bilayer hydrogel. The information concealed in the hydrogel becomes readable after shape recovery and under UV light irradiation.

Graphical abstract: Multi-level encryption of information in morphing hydrogels with patterned fluorescence
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
Paper

Impact of dynamic covalent chemistry and precise linker length on crystallization kinetics and morphology in ethylene vitrimers

Vitrimers, dynamic polymer networks with topology conserving exchange reactions, can lead to unusual evolution of the melting temperature and crystal structure of ethylene networks.

Graphical abstract: Impact of dynamic covalent chemistry and precise linker length on crystallization kinetics and morphology in ethylene vitrimers
From the themed collection: Polymer Networks
44 items

About this collection

This Polymer Chemistry and Soft Matter cross-journal collection on Polymer Networks is Guest Edited by Yukikazu Takeoka (0000-0002-1406-0704) (Nagoya University), Matsumoto Akira (0000-0002-7568-8677) (Tokyo Medical & Dental University), Akira Kakugo (0000-0002-1591-867X) (Hokkaido University), Jianping Gong (0000-0003-2228-2750) (Hokkaido University) and Alfred Crosby (0000-0001-8850-8869) (University of Massachusetts Amherst). This collection covers the physical properties, applications of, and synthetic strategies towards polymer networks, including solvent-free polymer networks, stimuli responsive polymer gels and elastomers, and polymer networks in sustainable development. The collaborative joint special issue is inspired by the fact that polymer networks truly span from the molecular chemical to the materials level.

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