Microgels react to force: mechanical properties, syntheses, and force-activated functions

• Published in: Chemical Society reviews Vol. 51; no. 8; pp. 2939 - 2956
• Main Authors: Schulte, M. Friederike, Izak-Nau, Emilia, Braun, Susanne, Pich, Andrij, Richtering, Walter, Göstl, Robert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Royal Society of Chemistry 19.04.2022
• Subjects: Atomic force microscopy; forces; Macromolecules; Mechanical properties; medicine; Microgels; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Molecular Weight; polymers; Polymers - chemistry
• ISSN: 0306-0012; 1460-4744; 1460-4744
• DOI: 10.1039/D2CS00011C

Microgels are colloidal polymer networks with high molar mass and properties between rigid particles, flexible macromolecules, and micellar aggregates. Their unique stimuli-responsiveness in conjunction with their colloidal phase behavior render them useful for many applications ranging from enginee...