What are smart polymeric materials?

Smart polymers are either reversibly soluble-insoluble (SIS) in aqueous media or crosslinked in the form of hydrogels. Specifically, hydrogels are networks of hydrophilic polymers that expand or swell by taking up “from 10\%–20\% up to thousands of times their dry weight in water” [1].

What are smart and reactive polymers?

Linear and matrix smart polymers exist with a variety of properties depending on reactive functional groups and side chains. These groups might be responsive to pH, temperature, ionic strength, electric or magnetic fields, and light. Traditional drug encapsulation has been done using lactic acid polymers.

Why is hydrogel called as smart polymer?

They possess the ability to absorb large amounts of water, small-size hydrophilic molecules and nutrients or metabolites, which makes them useful carriers in tissue engineering and DDSs. Hydrogels sensitive to environmental stimuli are also called “smart hydrogels”.

Where are smart polymers used?

Smart polymers, also known as stimuli-responsive polymers or intelligent materials, appear in highly specialized items, and everyday things. Their uses include sensors and actuators like artificial muscles; production of hydrogels; biodegradable packaging; and in biomedical engineering.

What are stimuli-responsive polymers?

Stimuli-responsive polymers or so-called “smart polymers” are macromolecules that are sensitive to certain triggers from the external environment, including temperature, light, electrical or magnetic fields, and chemicals.

Is graphene a smart material?

The high specific surface area and the excellent mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of graphene make it an attractive component for high-performance stimuli-responsive or ‘smart’ materials.

What are examples of smart materials used in mechatronics?

Types of Smart Materials

• Piezoelectrics: Piezoelectric materials convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, and vice versa.
• Shape Memory Alloys:
• Magnetostrictive:
• Shape Memory Polymers:
• Hydrogels:
• Electroactive Polymers:
• Bi-Component Fibers:

What are smart polymers and write their applications?

What are active smart polymers?

Stimuli-responsive polymers, also known as smart polymers, mimic biopolymers and biological systems and can respond to a variety of signals which include temperature, ionic strength, solvent choice, the effect of radiation and applied fields as well as changes in pH, ion content, and chemical agents including ligands …