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Nanocomposite Hydrogels: A Unique Organic–Inorganic Network Structure with Extraordinary Mechanical, Optical, and Swelling/De-swelling Properties
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2002
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EngineeringPolymer NanotechnologyUnique Organic–inorganicResponsive PolymersNanostructured PolymerPolymer NanocompositesSol-gel SynthesisPolymersHydrogelsPolymer ChemistryMaterials ScienceNovel Nanocomposite HydrogelsNc GelsNanocomposite HydrogelsBiopolymer GelSelf-assemblyPolymer ScienceExtraordinary MechanicalSwelling/de-swelling PropertiesPolymer Self-assembly
Novel nanocomposite hydrogels (NC gels) with a unique organic–inorganic (clay) network structure (see Figure) have been synthesized by in-situ free radical polymerization. The resulting NC gels exhibit high structural homogeneity, superior elongation with near-complete recovery, good swellability, and rapid de-swelling in response to temperature changes.