The effect of self-sorting and co-assembly on the mechanical properties of low molecular weight hydrogels

Colquhoun, C. et al. (2014) The effect of self-sorting and co-assembly on the mechanical properties of low molecular weight hydrogels. Nanoscale, 6(22), pp. 13719-13725. (doi: 10.1039/C4NR04039B)

Abstract

Self-sorting in low molecular weight hydrogels can be achieved using a pH triggered approach. We show here that this method can be used to prepare gels with different types of mechanical properties. Cooperative, disruptive or orthogonal assembled systems can be produced. Gels with interesting behaviour can be also prepared, for example self-sorted gels where delayed switch-on of gelation occurs. By careful choice of gelator, co-assembled structures can also be generated, which leads to synergistic strengthening of the mechanical properties.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Draper, Emily and Adams, Dave
• Authors: Colquhoun, C., Draper, E. R., Eden, E. G. B., Cattoz, B. N., Morris, K. L., Chen, L., McDonald, T. O., Terry, A. E., Griffiths, P. C., Serpell, L. C., and Adams, D. J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Nanoscale
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• ISSN: 2040-3364
• ISSN (Online): 2040-3372
• Published Online: 24 September 2014
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry
• First Published: First published in Nanoscale 6(22): 13719-13725
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license