Smart Microgels from Unconventional Acrylamides

Abstract

In the present study, smart responsive microgels are synthesized from a series of alternative monomers, which are less common in micro- and nanogel research. Their swelling behavior is studied by means of photon correlation spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, these monomers are used to make copolymer microgels. In line with previous results for such copolymer particles the present work observes linear changes of the volume phase transition temperatures of the microgels as a function of the microgel composition. The presented systems allow to realize a broad range of transition temperatures, which is potentially interesting for applications in sensing, actuation, and drug delivery.