| 초록 |
We have developed new types of polymer hydrogels (nanocomposite gels: NC gels) and soft polymer nanocomposites (M-NCs) with novel organic(polymer)/inorganic(clay) network structures. Both NC gels and M-NCs were synthesized by in-situ free-radical polymerization in aqueous systems and were obtained in various forms and sizes with a wide range of clay contents. NC gels showed extraordinary optical, mechanical, and swelling/deswelling properties, as well as a number of new functions relating to optical anisotropy, biocompatibility, micro-patterning, cell harvesting and self-healing. The M-NCs also exhibited dramatic improvements in optical and mechanical properties including ultra-high reversible extensibility and well-defined yielding behavior. The serious disadvantages (mechanical fragility, optical turbidity, poor processing ability, low stimulus sensitivity, etc.) associated with the conventional, chemically-crosslinked polymeric materials were overcome in NC gels and M-NCs. |
