Hydration and Dynamic Behavior of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)s in Aqueous Solution:A Sharp Phase Transition at the Lower Critical Solution Temperature

摘要

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide),P(NIPAm),is a well-known water soluble polymer whose aqueous solutions exhibit lower critical solution temperatures(LCSTs).P(NIPAm)exists in an expanded conformation in water below the LCST of 32 deg C in a homogeneous liquid phase.It becomes more compact above the LCST,resulting in the formation of separate liquid and solid phases.P(NIPAm),therefore,exhibits a high potential for practical applications as a thermo-sensitive polymer.