Tuning the Interactions in Multiresponsive Complex Coacervate-Based Underwater Adhesives.

ABSTRACT: In this work, we report the systematic investigation of a multiresponsive complex coacervate-based underwater adhesive, obtained by combining polyelectrolyte domains and thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) units. This material exhibits a transition from liquid to solid but, differently from most reactive glues, is completely held together by non-covalent interactions, i.e., electrostatic and hydrophobic. Because the solidification results in a kinetically trapped morphology, the final mechanical properties strongly depend on the preparation conditions and on the surrounding environment. A systematic study is performed to assess the effect of ionic strength and of PNIPAM content on the thermal, rheological and adhesive properties. This study enables the optimization of pol

SUBMITTER: Dompe M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6982270 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature