Influence of temperature sensitive microgels on structure and properties of surrounding polyacrylamide hydrogels

The incorporation of temperature sensitive microgels into a non responding polymer matrix leads to a macroscopic composite hydrogel, which reacts sensitive to temperature, too. The aim of this work was the synthesis and characterization of such composite hydrogels consisting of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide based microgels and a polyacrylamide hydrogel matrix. The focus of interest lies on the temperature dependent swelling behavior of the incorporated microgels and the mechanical behavior of the macroscopic composite hydrogel.