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Volume Phase Transition in Gels: Its Discovery and Development
Karel Dušek1, Miroslava Dušková-Smrčková1
1Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského náměstí 2, 162 06 Praha 6, Prague, Czech Republic.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 6, 2020
Summary
Responsive gels exhibit volume phase transitions, crucial for smart materials. Theoretical models, like the generalized Flory-Huggins model, aid in understanding and controlling these transitions for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Responsive gels undergo volume phase transitions.
- Theoretical models are essential for understanding these transitions.
- Gibbs energy function plays a major role in theoretical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the history of volume phase transitions in responsive gels.
- To highlight the importance of the mixing Gibbs energy function.
- To discuss suitable theoretical models and experimental challenges.
Main Methods:
- Review of theoretical predictions and experimental discoveries.
- Application of the generalized Flory-Huggins model.
- Utilizing Maxwell construction for analysis.
- Investigating the effect of expansive stresses.
Main Results:
- The generalized Flory-Huggins model with concentration and temperature-dependent interactions is suitable for detailed analysis.
- Expansive stresses can reveal the transition potential of swelling gels.
- Achieving abrupt, equilibrium-controlled transitions experimentally is challenging.
Conclusions:
- Theoretical models are vital for understanding and fine-tuning gel volume phase transitions.
- Experimental realization of ideal transitions faces hurdles due to mechanical instability and slow relaxation.
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