Responsive Gels: Volume Transitions II

Coexistence of phases and the nature of first-order phase transition in poly-N-isopropylacrylamide gels.- Friction between polymer networks of gels and solvent.- Stimuli-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). Photo- and chemical-induced phase transitions.- Hydrogels as separation agents.- Synthesis, equilibrium swelling, kinetics, permeability and applications of environmentally responsive gels.- Polymer gel phase transition in condensation-decondensation of secretory products.- Novel applications for stimulus-sensitive polymer gels in the preparation of functional immobilized biocatalysts.- Molecular design of temperature-responsive polymers as intelligent materials.- Phase transition in gels of sub-millimeter size induced by interaction with stimuli.- An approach to artificial muscle using polymer gels formed by micro-phase separation.