Journal Article

FZJ-2015-00510

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png On the structure of biocompatible, thermoresponsive poly(ethylene glycol) microgels

Gawlitza, K. (Corresponding Author) ; Radulescu, A.FZJ* ; von Klitzing, R. ; Wellert, S.

2014
Elsevier Science Oxford

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.polymer.2014.10.069

Abstract: The aim of the present study is the preparation and characterization of microgel particles which are, contrary to other microgels, thermoresponsive as well as biocompatible. Hence, monodisperse p-MeO2MA-co-OEGMA microgel particles were synthesized by precipitation polymerization. Swelling/deswelling behavior and the structure of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based microgel particles were investigated. A combination of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used. Particle size and the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) are adjustable by changing the amount of comonomer. SANS measurements indicate an inhomogeneous structure of the PEG microgels in the swollen state. At temperatures above the VPTT a compact structure was observed. An increase of the comonomer content leads to a densely packed core and a fuzzy shell in the swollen state. Additionally, nanodomains inside the polymer network were observed in the temperature range around the volume phase transition (VPT). Due to this heterogeneous structure in the swollen state two correlation lengths of the network fluctuations were observed.

Keyword(s): Health and Life (1st) ; Health and Life (1st) ; Soft Matter, Macromolecules, Complex fluids, Biophysics (1st) ; Nano Science and Technology (1st) ; Materials Science (2nd) ; Soft Condensed Matter (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS (München) ; Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS (München) ; JCNS-FRM-II)
2. Neutronenstreuung (Neutronenstreuung ; JCNS-1)
3. Neutronenstreuung (ICS-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 451 - Soft Matter Composites (POF2-451) (POF2-451)
2. 54G - JCNS (POF2-54G24) (POF2-54G24)

Experiment(s):

1. KWS-2: Small angle scattering diffractometer (NL3ao)

Appears in the scientific report 2014

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Database coverage:
; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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