Concept to Control the Phase Behavior of Stimuli-Sensitive Polymer Gel

Abstract

The phase control (phase transition, hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance) of a thermosensitive polymer gel was performed by an electrochemical method at constant temperature. The relationships of the amount of charge supplied to induce the phase transition of gel, ionic content and electrolyte content were examined. The mechanism of electrochemical phase control of gel was clarified in terms of ionic transport in the gel.