Intepentrating Polymer Network. Polymer Science

Inteprenrating Polymer Network. It is an interesting technology in the polymer landscape

1. Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Intimate combination of two polymers both in network form, at least one of which is synthesized or cross-linked in the immediate presence of the other. Interlocked configuration The state of phase separation is frozen-in Phase separation cannot occur without breaking covalent bonds

2. Features Not soluble but only swells Permanent interlocking Mechanical strength is better Dimensional stability-better Mixing of polymers is kinetically controlled

3. Difference between blends and IPNs Two incompatible polymers –multiphase morphology-polymer blends-thermodynamically controlled-IPN synthesis allows a degree of compatibility even with them as synthesis starts with monomers Phase separation of the polymers proceeds by diffusion through an increasingly viscous medium Phase domains are varying in size depending upon degree of crosslinking-higher the degree of crosslinking smaller and more compact is the domain

4. Synthesis of IPNs-Classification (designation of polymer I and II in some literature is done also according to the weight ratio: higher weight component designated as component I)

5. Applications Stimuli Responsive Poly(Vinyl Caprolactam ) Gels for Biomedical Applications

6. (a) A polymer blend; (b) a graft copolymer; (c) a block copolymer; (d) semi-IPN; (e) full IPN; F- cross-linked copolymer. a B C D e f

7. Gradient Interpenetrating Polymer Networks