This book examines the current state of the art, new challenges, opportunities, and applications of IPNs. With contributions from experts across the globe, this survey is an outstanding resource reference for anyone involved in the field of polymer materials design for advanced technologies. Comprehensively summarizes many of the recent technical research accomplishments in the area of micro and nanostructured Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Discusses various aspects of synthesis, characterization, structure, morphology, modelling, properties, and applications of IPNs Describes how nano-structured IPNs correlate their multiscale structure to their properties and morphologies Serves as a one-stop reference resource for important research accomplishments in the area of IPNs and nano-structured polymer systems Includes chapters from leading researchers in the IPN field from industry, academy, government and private research institutions

Among the various multiphase systems, Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPNs) have a unique position since the different polymer chains of the components interpenetrate on different length scales, i.e., micro- or nanoscales. Because of this molecular level interpenetration of the different polymer chains, very often IPNs exhibit outstanding properties and stable morphologies. Polymer scientists have shown strong interest in developing nanostructured functional materials, which have enhanced properties as compared to conventional polymeric systems. IPNs, therefore, have garnered much attention due to their unique morphology and physical properties.

Responding to the resulting need for information on IPNs; this book examines their challenges, opportunities and applications. It focuses on the preparation, characterization and properties of IPN systems and emphasizes nano-structured IPN materials. The book carefully examines the preparation of semi-IPNs, full IPNs, porous networks, and various manufacturing techniques.

Micro- and Nano-structured Interpenetrating Polymer Networks covers all types of IPNs including those based on exclusively natural polymers (eco-friendly green IPNs), IPNs based on natural and synthetic polymers, and IPNs based on fully synthetic polymers. The book reviews techniques for characterizing IPNs, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and scattering. There is a separate section on the preparation of micro-, meso- and nano-porous networks from IPN systems and the applications of IPNs are discussed in detail.

With contributions from experts across the globe, this survey is an outstanding resource reference for anyone involved in the field of polymer materials design for advanced technologies.

List of Contributors xiii

1 Micro and Nano-structured Interpenetrating Polymer Networks: State of the Art, New Challenges, and Opportunities 1
Jose James, George V. Thomas, Akhina H. and Sabu Thomas

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Types of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks 2

1.3 Synthesis of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks 5

1.4 Characterization of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks 8

1.5 Applications of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks 23

1.6 Future Trends 23

Acknowledgement 25

References 25

2 Miscibility, Morphology, and Phase Behavior of IPNs 29
Xuemei Wu, Gaohong He, Xiaoming Yan, Xiangcun Li, Wu Xiao and Xiaobin Jiang

2.1 Introduction 29

2.2 Miscibility of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks 30

2.3 Phase Diagram 35

2.4 Morphology of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks 43

Acknowledgments 62

References 62

3 Synthetic RubberBased IPNs 69
Qihua Wang, Shoubing Chen and Tingmei Wang

3.1 Introduction 69

3.2 Synthetic RubberBased IPNs 71

3.3 Summary and Conclusions 101

Acknowledgments 102

References 102

4 Micro and Nanostructured IPNs Based on Thermosetting Resins 109
Sanja Marinovi, Ivanka Popovi and Branko Dunji

4.1 Introduction 109

4.2 Experimental Details 110

4.3 Influence of HBP(A) Contents in IPNs on IPN Mechanical Properties 115

4.4 Influence of Reactive Diluent in Interpenetrating Polymer Networks on their Properties 119

4.5 Conclusions 124

Acknowledgment 125

References 125

5 Macro, Meso, and Nanoporous Systems Designed from IPNs 127
Daniel Grande

5.1 Introduction 127

5.2 Porous Systems Derived from SemiInterpenetrating Polymer Networks 130

5.3 (Nano)Porous Systems Derived from Interpenetrating Polymer Networks 135

5.4 Conclusions 139

Acknowledgments 140

References 140

6 Natural RubberBased Micro and Nanostructured IPNs 145
SaAd Riyajan

6.1 Introduction 145

6.2 Natural Rubber 146

6.3 Synthesis of Polymer IPN 148

6.4 Properties of IPN Made from NR and Plastics 155

6.5 Conclusions 174

Acknowledgments 174

References 174

7 The Synthesis and the Applications of IPNs Based on Smart Polymers 179
Guillermina Burillo, Emilio Bucio and Lorena GarciaUriostegui

7.1 Introduction 179

7.2 StimuliResponsive Polymers 180

7.3 Interpenetrating Polymer Networks and SemiInterpenetrating Networks 181

7.4 The Synthesis and the Applications of SemiInterpenetrating Networks and Interpenetrating Networks 181

7.5 Interpenetrating Polymer Networks 184

7.6 Interpenetrating Polymer Networks and SemiInterpenetrating Networks Synthesized by Ionizing Radiation 186

7.7 SemiInterpenetrating Networks and Interpenetrating Networks in the Heavy Ions Immobilization 188

7.8 The Novel Architectures of IPNs Developed by Ionizing Radiation Polymerization 189

7.9 Conclusions 192

Acknowledgments 192

References 193

8 Microscopy of IPNs 199
Rameshwar Adhikari

8.1 Introduction and Overview 199

8.2 Sample Preparation Techniques for Microscopic Analysis 200

8.3 Microscopy of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks: An Overview 202

8.4 Morphological Characterization of Polymer Networks 206

8.5 Concluding Notes 220

Acknowledgments 220

References 220

9 Viscoelastic Properties of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks 229
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