| Sprecher |
Prof. Walter Richtering, RWTH Aachen, Institut für Physikalische Chemie
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| Titel |
Responsive Microgels: Simple Mater where Complexity Matters
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| Abstract |
Microgels are macromolecular networks swollen by the solvent they are dissolved in. They are
unique systems that are distinctly different from common colloids, such as, e.g., rigid
nanoparticles, flexible macromolecules, micelles or vesicles. When swollen, they are soft and have
a fuzzy surface with dangling chains and the presence of crosslinks provides structural integrity -
in contrast to linear and (hyper-) branched polymers. Obviously, the cross-linker content will
allow controlling whether microgels behave more ”colloidal” or ”macromolecular”. Finally, microgels
reveal interface activity without being amphiphilic. The combination of being soft and porous while
still having a stable structure through the cross-linked network allows for the possibility to
introduce chemical functionality at different positions. The architectural diversity and
compartmentalization of reactive groups enable thus short-range coexistence of otherwise instable
combinations of chemical reactivity. The capability of microgels to adjust both their shape and
volume in response to external stimuli provides the opportunity to reversibly tune their
physicochemical properties. From a physics point of view, microgels are particularly intriguing and
challenging, since their intra-particle properties are intimately linked to their interparticle
behavior.
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