The current status of interpenetrating polymer networks

Abstract

An interpenetrating polymer network, IPN, is defined as a combination of two or more polymers in network form, at least one of which is polymerized and/or crosslinked in the immediate presence of the other(s). The synthesis, morphology and mechanical properties of recent works are reviewed, with special emphasis on dual phase continuity, and the number of physical entanglements that arise in homo-IPNs. The concepts of phase diagrams are applied, especially to simultaneous interpenetrating network phase separations and gelations. Recent engineering applications are discussed.