Toward Model Amphiphilic Polymer Co‐Networks: Linking Architecture to Structure and Properties
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Amphiphilic polymer co‐networks (APCNs) are a unique class of soft matter, combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer segments within a permanently connected macromolecular network. This combination gives rise to dual swelling in polar and nonpolar solvents, leading to hierarchical microstructures and tunable physical properties. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the synthesis, architecture, and behavior of APCNs, with a focus on well‐defined model systems that provide quantitative insight into structure–property relationships. Covalent and electrostatic cross‐linking strategies are discussed alongside the resulting morphologies, domain sizes, and swelling‐dependent mechanical properties. Besides bulk properties, interfacial features are also considered. Model APCNs serve as a unifying framework for connecting macromolecular design, mesoscopic structure, and macroscopic behavior, offering a rational basis for designing functional soft materials with tailored swelling, transport, and mechanical characteristics.
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,220
Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Awards: Adaptive Polymergele mit kontrollierter Netzwerkstruktur, Mesoskopische Netzwerktopologie und Permeabilität Adaptiver Amphiphiler Conetzwerke, Simulation adaptiver Polymergele mit kontrollierter Netzwerkstruktur, Synthese von kovalent vernetzten amphiphilen CoNetzwerken mit Modellcharakter, Netzwerkmaschenstruktur und makroskopische Mechanik von amphiphilen Conetzwerken, Simulation von elektrostatisch reversibel verknüpften Modellnetzwerken, FOR 2811: Adaptive Polymergele mit kontrollierter Netzwerkstruktur, Struktur und ortsaufgelöste Mechanik sowie Rheologie oberflächennaher Bereiche von adaptiven Polymernetzwerken
OpenAlex ID: W7153833801