English Abstract
Inhomogeneity in Polymer Gels
Yoshitsugu Hirokawa
Zeon Corporation R & D Strategic Planning Dept.,Kanagawa,Japan.
Nippon Gomu Kyokaishi,(2003),76(
6), 219-222 General Review in Japanese.

Abstract
Polymer gels consist of three-dimensional cross-linked polymer network and fluid. Internal structures relating to inhomogeneities of cross-linked polymer network are important factors characterizing the polymer gels. Internal structures of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) gel obtained at various temperatures were observed by means of confocal laser scanning microscope and found to be bicontinuous structures consisting of dense and sparse cross-linked polymer networks. Generation process of the bicontinuous structures was also discussed on the basis of the results observed on temperature quenched gels.


Keywords:
Inhomogeneity,Internal structure,Bicontinuous structure,Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) gel
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