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Polymer Gels: Molecular Design and Practical Application

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Polymer Gels

Part of the book series: Gels Horizons: From Science to Smart Materials ((GHFSSM))

Abstract

Polymer gels are worn in our steadily lives for extended wear lenses, superabsorbent polymers, etc., and more fancy applications are in development. They are among the most interesting and functional materials. Gels are characterized as polymers and their swollen matters with three-dimensional chain structures that are insoluble in any solvents. The capacity of polymer gels to experience considerable swelling and crumpling as an element of their surroundings is a standout among the most admirable properties of these materials. Polymer gels ordinarily contain a lot of portion of solvent, which gives them a singular quality started from a fluid nature. Additionally, they can keep up shape like strong materials, unless extra stress is applied. Subsequently, the mix of flexibility and shape maintenance capacity gives special properties, especially mechanical properties. Gels are wet and moldable and resemble a strong material yet are set up for experiencing considerable distortion. This property is as opposed to most modern materials, for example metals, earthenware production, and plastics, which are dry and hard. This chapter focuses on polymer gels in terms of molecular design, assembly, crosslink formations, and practical application.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, State University of Ceará (UECE-FECLESC), Quixadá, Brazil

    Vicente de Oliveira Sousa Neto

  2. Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri (URCA), Crato, Brazil

    Raimundo Nonato Pereira Teixeira

  3. Department of Physical, State University of Ceará (UECE-FECLESC), Quixadá, Brazil

    Gilberto Dantas Saraiva

  4. Department of Analytical Chemistry and Physical-Chemistry, Federal University of Ceara, Ceara, Brazil

    Ronaldo Ferreira do Nascimento

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  1. Vicente de Oliveira Sousa Neto
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  2. Raimundo Nonato Pereira Teixeira
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  3. Gilberto Dantas Saraiva
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  4. Ronaldo Ferreira do Nascimento
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Correspondence to Vicente de Oliveira Sousa Neto or Ronaldo Ferreira do Nascimento .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty in Manufacturing, Enhanced Composites and Structures Centre, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom

    Vijay Kumar Thakur

  2. Division of Chemistry, Government Degree College Bhoranj, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

    Manju Kumari Thakur

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de Oliveira Sousa Neto, V., Teixeira, R.N.P., Saraiva, G.D., do Nascimento, R.F. (2018). Polymer Gels: Molecular Design and Practical Application. In: Thakur, V., Thakur, M. (eds) Polymer Gels. Gels Horizons: From Science to Smart Materials. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-6083-0_2

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